Sherocious: Notes from the Motherland

always behind

2007-06-12T21:57:00.000-07:00

These photos of the boys are months behind, and I've just not had opportunity to post them to share.
Life is busier right now than I ever could have imagined, and I have so very very little down time, much less free time, to do anything right now. Pay a bill on time; dust, read a book, go for a walk, sit and RELAX, notice that its actually spring and almost summer already, count Jude's growing vocabulary words, work on puzzles with Ethan, sleep in (HA), clean out my closet, weed the garden, get the boys' haircut, wash the car or a million other little tasks, jobs, ideas or MOMENTS - they've all been lost off the radar and thus my life is a huge, unorganized mess and I feel I'm on an upward, muddy hill just sliding off.

Even that sentence was incoherent. I don't even have time to go back and rewrite it.

But - the boys, they're growing up all lovely and boyish all by themselves, thankfully. Jude's new word today is 'bubbles' (as in, bath). Ethan's amazing me on a daily basis with his own intellect (and astounding gift of not listening to a thing I say); Troy never stops being the most amazing dad and husband (happy fathers' day, love) and well, we all have our health. So there.

so, until next time, alienated readers (and for that I am sorry).

reunion

2007-06-06T21:34:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday (ok lets be honest, Sunday until the not so wee hours as well) was my 20 year highschool reunion. I had such a great time - so did everyone, I think.

This picture is of me and my very old friend Tanya. We met in the 6th grade, I think, and were pretty tight in senior year. It was so great to see her again. I'm convinced neither of us have changed a bit - maybe tamer hairstyles, that's about it!

Anyway, just wanted to share this picture. :)

2007-05-20T19:37:00.000-07:00

mini E

2007-04-27T20:39:00.000-07:00

My assumptions have been confirmed now, by a few sources/friends. Jude has officially turned into a Mini Ethan (with brunette hair). He is no longer a baby. I keep forgetting this, partially because I only seem to participate in 5% of his daily M-F existance (thus, making his aging progress seemed even more accellerated) and partially because he'll always be Baby Judie. Always. My baby. Jude.

But lookit 'im. He's a boy, on the cusp of registering for community college, this one. So big. So Ethan. So TROY. Its amazing.

Jude's language has been a bit behind Ethan's at this age - Jude's vocabulary quaintly contained Mummy, Daddy (with exhuberance), BALL!, mow for cat (meow), and rum! for cars (obviously) and lots of mmmms and uh oh and umm hmmms.

As of yesterday, his new words are Puppy (Puh Peeee!!!!), Duck (dUCK!) and Baby (bay beeeh!). Big boy. I recall one of Ethan's first words was also puppy :)

Anyway.

I got a deadline for a report extended, which keeps my whole weekend free and clear for my 3 men folk. So looking forward to it.

Time is just FLEETING. My god. I feel I just gotta hold on for this ride.

boogie

2007-04-21T19:33:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3g-yrjh58ms

horizons

2007-04-19T21:36:00.000-07:00

We hope to make it back to the beach this weekend.

sugar. Ugh.

2007-04-08T18:44:00.000-07:00

I'm sure Ethan has some wack sugar sensitivity. It turns him on a dime and he gets super-hyper and its hellish for all concerned.

I'm exhausted. And determined to remove the Easter chocolate from his view and reduce his potty-smarties to the occassional ONE, once in a while.

But for potty training this weekend? He's done excellent. He's in underpants full time now except for naps and nighttime. An average of one accident an day. I'm so proud. Tomorrow: off to Walmart to buy extra underwear for E! (beats buying diapers!).

Its been a good weekend. Not restful, natch, but good. And Dad placed third in Straits! yay! Congrats, Skipper.

x

we love a long weekend.

2007-04-06T20:05:00.000-07:00

We love having 4 days together with the boys.

We love to hit the beach and dig in the sand.

We love the sun and warm weather.

We're just in love.

Happy weekend - Happy Easter to all of you!

dad

2007-04-05T20:02:00.000-07:00

Dad's racing his 3,087,987,855 Southern Straits Race this weekend - a constant Easter tradition in our house growing up. He was almost always home in time for the Easter Bunny's treats on Sunday morning.

Happy Easter Dad. Go, speed racer.

I love you.

we love the beach

2007-04-02T20:51:00.000-07:00

B Boys

2007-03-31T21:27:00.000-07:00

revelling....

2007-03-31T21:10:00.000-07:00

.....in Boyness.

Nothing much else to say.

It is everything.

missing Uncle B

2007-03-29T20:54:00.000-07:00

It was such a great visit. It went so fast.

As I type this, I'm eating leftover curries we made together on Saturday night.

I wish we didn't live on opposite sides of the country. I wish we didn't only see each other once or twice a year.

I wish my boys got to see their Uncle every week, or more.

They're lucky to have an uncle that loves them so much. :)

they're so gorgeous

2007-03-26T19:47:00.000-07:00

And so's Uncle B's camera. Thank you, B, for capturing my boys this way. x

2007-03-18T17:51:00.000-07:00

B's coming to visit next weekend!

I'm gonna be so hung over.

oh well :)

box of monkeys

2007-03-18T12:19:00.000-07:00

2007-03-17T23:03:00.000-07:00

Life is crazy.

And: who is this child? I think he's eaten my baby.

Also: I am sleepy. Good night.

#1 Dad

2007-03-16T18:26:00.000-07:00

It was Troy's 35th yesterday - happy birthday, Love!

The boys made their daddy a hand-decorated t-shirt which is very special to all of us. Aren't they talented? :)

It was a good day.

And now, its the weekend. Thank goodness!!! Bring on the wine!

matchy matchy

2007-02-28T20:51:00.000-08:00

Last summer, on matching shorts day.

Jude's not impressed.

Today? Snowing. What's with that?

2007-02-28T20:43:00.000-08:00

I'm running on "status quo" mode these days. Work is good - but its kicking my ass. So are my little ones. Luckily Troy's keeping in line. :) hee.

Its Wednesday. I'm 20 minutes from my bed (gotta make the boys' lunches first - a nightly chore I detest, but refuse to delegate).

I have nothing else to say.

Except: I am thankful.

Barbie and Me

2007-02-23T17:46:00.000-08:00

Gabrielle, my precious little 7 year old "neice" at our daycare, got a Barbi digital camera for Christmas. Here are some photos she took herself of us with her new toy. Pretty good!

I'm quite enamoured with Jude's devastating eyes.

Eat Cake

2007-02-18T21:05:00.000-08:00

Birthday Boy is 3!

2007-02-17T23:11:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday, Monkey.

You are 3!!

A Year Ago

2007-02-17T23:08:00.000-08:00

Where does the time go?

Seriously!

Ethan turns 3 years old tomorrow: Feb 18th. Three years ago I was in excruciating labour, and would be until the morrow's morning at 9:30 am.

How much life has changed since then. How full it now is.

We had no idea.

gorgeous

2007-02-10T20:25:00.000-08:00

Aren't they?

music

2007-02-09T21:27:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2n1_h3Bvt0

Dumb video, natch, but I can't help but admit its my fave song right now.

ETA: Live version SO much better.

And- Ethan LOVES dancing to Sexyback. Hee!

ETA already: ok ok the love affair started here.

Diva, if he comes to Vancouver, we are SO planning a diva trip together to go :) xoxo

Cusheon Lake

2007-02-05T12:20:00.000-08:00

We had a relaxing, decadent, sleep filled (weeeeeeee!) grown up weekend on Saltspring Island. It went by too quick, but we did miss the monkeys nonetheless. We had a wonderful time on our annual reconnection weekend. Good company, good food, good wine, good sleeps! The only thing I didn't get to do was make much of a dent into my book - but I think that's because I was too busy!

hair did

2007-01-27T20:31:00.000-08:00

Photo on the event of my quarterly haircut.

Don't mind the circles under my eyes. Its been a looong week.

missed out

2007-01-20T23:32:00.001-08:00

The boys were in fine form tonight at dinner; I wanted to take some pictures of their laughter and smiles. But they wouldn't have it - my camera: too slow. Their expressions: too fleeting.

The opportunity: missed.

But still. I was there. I saw. They played off each other, laughing and loving, and having fun. It was lovely.

This parenting thing?

It can be fun, sometimes.

Yup.

where did the babies go?

2007-01-20T23:28:00.000-08:00

These littles. So big now :(

Papa + Snow = Fun!

2007-01-15T19:41:00.000-08:00

We had fun when Papa visited this weekend - especially building Ethan's first snowman, and digging roads!

All is well at our house.....a tired happiness, but happy nonetheless.

saturday

2007-01-06T19:17:00.000-08:00

I feel like giggling today. Not entirely sure why, but its nice.

I'm glad it's the weekend.

grinning

2006-12-26T19:34:00.000-08:00

Not bad for a kid with a fever for the last few days!

boxing day: wet park

2006-12-26T14:10:00.000-08:00

Let your smile be your umbrella

Xmas - all wrapped up.

2006-12-26T14:09:00.000-08:00

Christmas (eve) cheer

2006-12-25T09:15:00.000-08:00

Anticipating...

2006-12-24T21:55:00.000-08:00

A very Merry Christmas to each and every one of you.

Rest! (?)

2006-12-22T22:21:00.000-08:00

Papa is Down Under getting ready to win a big Sailboat Race. Good Luck, Papa!

Me: Xmas vacation has just begun. There will be no rest, just time off work. That's still good - as I've been missing the boys.

We're starting new Xmas traditions in our home this year as Ethan develops more understanding about Christmas, Santa, and the like. Its been really fun for Troy and I. There is a mountain of presents waiting in our bedroom to put under the (little) tree on Xmas eve. I really can't wait for Christmas this year. For all of us. What a difference over last year's experiences. Wow.

Anyway, we're all well, and appropriately jolly. I've run out of new photographs for now, though I'm sure come Christmas festivities new ones will be abundant. Soon.

In the mean time, heartfelt wishes to everyone who comes across my little site - Happy Holidays to you and your families - and best wishes for a new year full of opportunity, good health, happiness and dreams come true. From all of us - the boys and me.

us

2006-12-13T20:57:00.000-08:00

All of us.

AKA: Why I'm perpetually tired.

But happy.

And: Ethan's grin is all about Santa-anticipation this year. What a happy state for a child to be in! Fun for all of us this year :)

hands full

2006-12-12T20:52:00.000-08:00

yup.

papa ron!

2006-12-12T20:50:00.000-08:00

We had a nice visit with my dad today - a little pre-Christmas visit before he ventures Down Under to do a little sailing over the holidays. Tomorrow, back to the grind.

I miss my dad already and I hope he keeps safe. xo

grr

2006-12-07T21:43:00.000-08:00

no photo - I've not had enough quality time with the boys lately to warrant taking out the camera. I'm exhausted; burnt out, and in desperate need of a date night with my hun. Hopefully we'll get one soon.

Work is incredibly busy and challenging in some ways (that don't put a smile to my face) but really, I'm enjoying the job so far. Boys are healthy again and are wonderful. Christmas shopping 75% done. Dad's visiting on Tuesday. I bought myself a new watch, just because. I'm having a good hair day. I'm eating lots of sushi.

All good things.

We're well. Stretched very, very thin. T and I are ships that pass in the night these days, but he is still my constant, reliable beacon. Always there. I'm blessed.

sickies be gone!

2006-12-03T20:38:00.000-08:00

I think we're all slowly getting better - its been a tough 3 weeks! Another week to go until Judie and I are both off of our antibiotics....but life's returning back to normal. The biggest challenge lately is getting the boys back re-familiar with daycare (missing a lot of daycare/work due to illness and snow sets us back a bit) and with Ethan's regression with potty training.

But, we soldier on.

I'm running out of fresh pictures for the blog - we've just not taken many lately.

Truth be told, I'm feeling a little burnt out lately and would love an afternoon to myself - or something of that nature.

Maybe I'll ask Santa.

dearest diva

2006-11-27T18:57:00.000-08:00

My dearest friend "Diva", her daughter, my boys.

We've come a long way, baby.

Wasn't that a party!?

2006-11-25T19:01:00.000-08:00

Rotten cold or no, a (first) cupcake will make anyone's day.

Happy Birthday, love.

Littlest.

2006-11-20T19:24:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday tomorrow, Judie.

I love you to the moon and back.

It's been almost a year. My baby's a boy.

2006-11-15T21:16:00.000-08:00

My darling. I cannot believe its been almost a year since you were born. Painfully. Without medication. Early, and on our own time.

Stubborn boy.

But my gosh. You have stolen my heart - absolutely.

We almost lost you at the begining; I was scared of thinking of my life with you.

Now, of course, I cannot imagine a world without you in it.

Precious love: my Angel Boy.

Sweet Jude.

My wine glass is empty....

2006-11-10T21:23:00.000-08:00

(disjointed entry # a billion)
so I'm heading to bed because I'm exhausted in a "finally Friday, long week's over" kinda way. Nothing really to say, other than that we're looking forward to the long weekend, and a visit from Nan, a birthday party for Ethan on Sunday at gymnastics, and haircuts and flu shots on Monday.

But for now, a cozy soft bed awaits, and dreamland as soon as my head hits the pillow. The boys are doing so much better at daycare lately - its hard, now, to get them to come home with me at the end of the day. And Ethan's really cooperating with using the potty (at our prompting, but even this is progress). And Jude's very close to walking on his own.

Exciting times. My new job starts in a week, and then before we know it, we've embarked well into the next phases of our lives.

Soon, there won't be any babies in our household. Jude is one in 10 days. I really can't believe it.

I mourn.

I rejoice and celebrate.

2006-11-05T16:59:00.000-08:00

Potty training.

It sucks.

Dream fulfilled

2006-11-03T20:45:00.000-08:00

I got the job!

*celebrate!*

2006-11-01T21:15:00.000-08:00

The Monkey.

The Monkey and Me.
(and puppy)

The Judie.
(in dire need of haircut)

Judie on daddy.

In other news: I really really really really really want that new job! Will know within a week. Please cross every available appendage and wish me luck. Its my turn. It is so.

And: November already. GAH!

Boo!

2006-10-31T20:59:00.000-08:00

Happy Halloween!

sweater weather

2006-10-28T18:42:00.000-07:00

Today's sunny crisp day at the park.

devilish smile

2006-10-28T18:36:00.000-07:00

Daddy's Jack o'Lantern is modelled after our own little devil in disguise!

Happy Hallowe'en!

Nutty

2006-10-27T21:44:00.000-07:00

Not enough time - for anything. Not even posting. Still in upheaval, but had the day at home with my Littles today.

Being constantly reminded, lately, how parenting can be so hard. And how little hearts, too, can break. And how we must soldier on, regardless. My Littles will be okay, eventually, when their gumbooted feet finally reach solid ground on the other side of this ditch of adjustment (or lack thereof) at daycare..then we can all be happier, healthier and more at ease. And thus: celebrate.

My boys have stolen my heart and keep it with them each day. Its hard to navigate my direction without them.

busy isn't the word...

2006-10-12T18:35:00.000-07:00

Wake up. Zoom zoom zoom zoom zoom. Zoom zoom. Zoom.

Go to bed.

Repeat incessently.

breathe

2006-10-09T20:36:00.000-07:00

Life's different, as of tomorrow. It may not seem like a big deal, but to me, and my boys, its huge.

I've been through MUCH more difficult things in my life; in fact, I've been through THIS before. Thus the anticipation, and knowing, is actually not helpful. But we'll push through to the other side; and get used to the new 'normal'.

Truth be told - I'm really, really sad. Its just a job - but dreadfully needed income. Its just 9 hours a day, but its my whole world - away from me. I hope the boys adjust quickly. I hope they don't miss me too much.

Ethan senses something - tonight he was teary and difficult; told me he wanted me to go away.

Parenting is SO hard, sometimes.

:(

My weakness

2006-10-06T18:50:00.000-07:00

Such a monkey

2006-10-05T18:25:00.000-07:00

crisp autumn

2006-10-04T16:50:00.000-07:00

Taken at the end of a tiring playdate (Jude will not stop moving! And there were breakable things!) at my Auntie Gerri's.

A photo that marks my last week of "maternity leave vacation".

psyched

2006-10-03T18:25:00.000-07:00

I'm working with the "official committee" to plan our highschool grad class's 20 year reunion next June. Its fun - catching up to old friends like Cat and to see what they're up to. I'm so insanely curious as to what lives my old comrades have had in the last 10 or 20 years, its addicting! And I'm all for a party. And lots of wine. I can't wait to bring my camera and take lots of drunken pictures.

Some things in highschool never change, hey?

One week today I return to work, for those of you keeping track at home.

*bleah*

But Troy's taking the week off so we can spend some four-some family time together this week, which is such a gift. My boys. Love them, I do.

Evil E

2006-09-29T16:37:00.000-07:00

smothered with judie

2006-09-29T16:32:00.000-07:00

biggest sweetie

2006-09-29T13:00:00.000-07:00

Gator Run: Happy Birthday She!

2006-09-27T21:21:00.000-07:00

Gator Run: Happy Birthday She!

Even got a shout out from B today. :) Click the link for a summertime picture!

god help me

2006-09-27T19:22:00.000-07:00

I'm 37 years old today. That is too close to forty for my comfort level.

And - I return to work in 13 days.

Sadness.

On the good news side, I received TWO bottles of my fave wine in the world today. My friends (and husband) do love me. Or worry about me.

Or both.

Happy Birthday to ME!

now returning to our regular programming....

2006-09-18T17:50:00.000-07:00

Three weeks away - three weeks and I'm back at work. FOO! I had a meeting with my superior this morning to go over my responsibilities (they're the same as before I went on maternity leave) and the general lay of the land of the organization (read: same f-ing mess as before).

I left the meeting with a huge pit in my stomach - all those feelings about the job came rushing back. I've been on a holiday haitus, it seems. Everyone is so unhappy there. Everyone is SO stressed out. I'm not looking forward to jumping into that cesspool again. But I have to.

While I go a little more crazy each and every day here with the boys, I realize that these will be forever called "the good old days". Days where dawdling is an acceptable developmental stage, not an executive strategic tactic (or lack of direction or decision making abilities).

Better bite my tongue now. Sigh.

Step by Step

2006-09-14T22:09:00.000-07:00

Today we did our first trial with the boys to be left alone with "Auntie Sam", our new friend and daycare provider as of Oct 10th. We've had lots of playdates with Auntie Sam and her children over the summer, and Ethan and Jude get along well with her children, who are 6 and 1 years old. I left the boys with Sam for an hour this morning and went for a spell of solitude and coffee (with my book, naturally) and really enjoyed myself. The boys did well too - E was a little quiet at first, missing me, but then was okay. We'll do another practice run next week, and a longer one the week after that.

Troy's been away since Tuesday morning on business, and I'm tired from single parenting this dastardly duo. The boys have been good, however. I'm just tired. My man's home tomorrow night, however, and I'm looking forward to that.

A boring entry, for sure - because I'm just wiped! But a picture to share from our visit to the petting zoo weeks ago. When it was still summer. Not cold and rainy, which it was today.

Fall is here.

bigger by the day

2006-09-08T19:30:00.000-07:00

My biggest boy has reached another milestone today. Well, actually, I guess I have more than him. Instead of buying yet another package of size 5 diapers for Ethan today, I bought him "feel and learn" pull ups - and a POTTY!

Of course, he has absolutely no interest in the potty right now, but its ready and waiting for him when he does. He also has one just like it awaiting him and his readiness at daycare next month. He'll start his pull ups when his current diaper package is empty.

A little thing, but a big change around here. I'm anxious about potty training, in truth, but soon he'll be THREE and well, gangbusters. I hope.

Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go read bedtime stories to my little man.

a hard day

2006-09-06T19:10:00.000-07:00

Today was one of those hard parenting days.

As I type this, Jude is wailing from his crib, CIO, and has been for about 30 minutes (of course I check on him every 5 minutes). I don't know what is wrong. He just wants to stay up, or is over tired, or he's at that developmental stage when he's newly crawling, sitting up, pulling up, et cetera and doesn't want to go to sleep.

He's been a challenge all day.

Usually its Ethan who drives me around the bend on a daily basis, mostly because he's full throtle into his Evil Kenevil phase, and he's a bit too rambuctious and physical with Judie. And he doesnt listen, blah blah toddler stuff blah.

Jude, like, OVERNIGHT, has leapfrogged into toddlerhood.

He refuses to lie down - be it bedtime, diaper changes (which results in tearful (for both of us) wrestling/pinning matches to get a diaper then clothes on him several times a day). He wants to climb up on stuff. He wants to kneel/stand. He wants to take Ethan's toys. He wants his independence, dammit. And of course, now, he's getting a few bumps DAILY between his own tumbles and Ethan's exhuberance (just today E smacked him, twice, with Lego's, which leave a nasty mark).

Lets chalk this one up for a trying day. I need wine. Of course, tonight is a day Troy's out late - likely not even home before Ethan goes to bed.

*whimper*

I just don't know how I'm going to handle two toddlers!!!!

family matters

2006-09-03T19:12:00.000-07:00

My dear brother B and his lovely beloved Sophie came to visit us this weekend, from Toronto.

Sophie had never met our Judie before, and we hadn't seen Bill for 9 months. So it was a very happy reunion.

Lots of talks, wine (Lord, lots of wine), amazing seafood BBQ, baby cuddles, and laughs.

They've already headed onwards on their little holiday, and I missed them as soon as the door shut behind them.

Why? How Come?

2006-09-01T19:24:00.000-07:00

As of Today, Ethan has started with the dreaded toddler phase, the "why's".

Why? Why? How come? Why? How come? Why? Why? Why?

Why?

In other news, we went to the beach today. It was awesome.

hands full of boys

2006-08-29T22:23:00.000-07:00

but all is well with me, and with the wee brothers.

petting zoo

2006-08-27T20:26:00.000-07:00

A great visit with Mum this weekend (although I took no pictures - rats!) and then my boys and I went to the petting zoo today for a chill out.

And then the weekend's over already. Just like that.

sweater weather....

2006-08-24T19:47:00.000-07:00

...its coming! I can feel it! Ahhhh fall. The wind has been chilled lately, even though the sun is shining. We wore sweatshirts on our walks today; I'm about to don a pair of wolly socks this evening.

Even though all I have to look forward to this autumn is BACK TO WORK - YUCK - I do love fall. Only a few weeks away.

And my mum is visiting this weekend - I'm absolutely over the moon about that. I miss her so much.

more photos from Papa Doug's retirement party

2006-08-22T21:44:00.000-07:00

Ethan had such a great time at Papa Doug's party. There was cake! Balloons! Loved ones!

More photos, for your enjoyment (photos courtesy of Shannon from Troy's office; doctored by yours truly).

Jude's 9 months old

2006-08-21T19:34:00.000-07:00

Jude today has officially spend as much time outside of my tummy as he did inside. He is 9 months old.

It seems like yesterday he was a tiny handful, in and out of hospital with his abdominal troubles and surgery.

Now he's a 20 lb-er and in perfect health and development.

The apple of my eye. The keeper of my heart.

Always my baby.

PapaDoug's Retirement Party

2006-08-19T20:36:00.000-07:00

was today - and was Hawaiian themed (hence the boys' Island shirts; Troy's "grass" skirt, and leis. Of course, being the family photographer, there's no pic of me, but there you go. We all had fun, especially Ethan, because a lot of his favourite grown up men were all there, happy to play with him. He also is fond of the office ladies.

Exhausted now though. Troy's still at the party, in fact. I'm going to follow the boys and head to bed, myself.

fun at auntie gerri's

2006-08-18T19:02:00.000-07:00

The boys and I love to go visit my Auntie Gerri and Uncle Rob, who live near me on the Island.

While my immediate family all live far away, its nice to have a little bit of "home" nearby.

They're so doting on the children. Its a nice break for me; Ethan gets to explore their big backyard with Uncle Rob, and Jude gets to be cuddled by someone other than me for a while.

A nice day.

puppy love

2006-08-16T21:21:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday, Auntie Sophie!

2006-08-16T21:10:00.000-07:00

We're all thinking of you today - special lady! I hope you had a wonderful day today.

This picture was taken the last time we saw you; when I had just announced my pregnancy with Jude; and Ethan was just over a year old. Its been a long time. We miss you very much and can't wait to see you in a few short weeks!!

Happy Birthday!

ma ma ma ma ma

2006-08-15T20:55:00.000-07:00

Jude's been babbling "mamamamamamama" or "mum mum mum mum mum" which of course I absolutely LOVE, but I know its not really his first word holding any real meaning. So I'm trying to get over myself.

But wouldn't it be neat if it was?

not bad for a Monday

2006-08-14T18:59:00.000-07:00

Today I saw a dermatologist, for the first time, to have a body-check for all of my funky moles. Apparently, they're nothing to worry about. So that's a huge relief. But I'll keep going back yearly, since I have a bajillion of them, of various shapes and sizes, and they deserve a little bit of attention.

After naps this afternoon, we hung out outside in the backyard; Ethan working on his garden excavation, Tonka style; Jude and I lazing on the quilt in the shade. Our backyard is so peaceful and serene.

Its a nice place to be.

and for comparison's sake.....

2006-08-13T17:28:00.000-07:00

Here's Ethan, about the same age as Jude is now, in same swing, sitting in same grass.

While they look very similar, Ethan's clothing sizes were much bigger! :) (in fact he STILL wears those red trackpants, sized 24 months)

Creepy Crawler

2006-08-13T16:13:00.000-07:00

Jude's officially crawling. All of you parents know what that means. I'm jubilant for him, but a little sad because my ass may never meet couch again. Not that it resided there much anyway, these days.

Ethan spent the morning at grandma's, so I took Jude for a walk to the park. It was some nice mum and babe time - to play uninterrupted on the swings, to investigate the grass.

The weekend is just about over. Aww.

sappy

2006-08-10T21:28:00.000-07:00

But really. I just couldn't be more in love with my three boys. Every day I feel so fortunate.

Exhausted, but truly the luckiest girl alive. I have these guys all to myself.

Blessed.

Birthday B

2006-08-09T20:22:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday, little brother. We miss and love you, Uncle B.

Can't wait to see you soon.

big boy bike

2006-08-09T19:52:00.000-07:00

Ethan's learning how to ride his tricycle - though he's a little reluctant to use the pedals, he likes just pushing with his feet for now.

I just love that Troy and I are capable of instilling such joy into another human being. These jubilant smiles from our children are such uplifting gifts.

It makes me feel like we are sharing magic.

Ethan

2006-08-08T18:41:00.000-07:00

While my "terrible two" gives me daily frustrations to lesser and greater degrees (along with daily laughter, joy, discovery and lots of love, don't get me wrong), I need to keep in the moment and remember that he's learning so much so fast, and he's only doing the best he can.

I want him to keep his sense of wonder about the world. I want to always appreciate his exquisiteness, even during times of impatience.

Parenting, like children, is so imperfect. Ethan's teaching me so much about myself. Its never as we expect - the challenges, for sure; the reward: it is infinite.

sweet jude

2006-08-07T20:48:00.000-07:00

Jude's kareening head first into fingerfood nibbles - our lives will never be the same. He loves crackers, Cheerios, cookies, banana and toast. So far, anyway!

Where did my little baby go? He's just growing up so fast.

*sniff*

not gray

2006-08-07T08:53:00.000-07:00

It's nice to feel little ripples of happiness just below the surface. These weekends with T home, coparenting with me, always rejuvenate.

The bbq feasts are yummy too (but terrible for my waistline).

Scott Point

2006-08-06T12:31:00.000-07:00

A full, and wonderful day with Papa.

for the seafaring life!

2006-08-02T19:10:00.000-07:00

Ethan got his very first and very own life jacket today! I'm trying to convince him its the coolest thing ever....we'll see how it goes as he has to wear it a whole bunch on Saturday, as we visit Papa Ron on his sailboat at Scott Point, Salt Spring Island for the day!

But, isn't it swish? Of course, he picked the most expensive one in the store, but it's a good one. And Judie can wear it next summer.

More summer shots

2006-08-01T17:56:00.000-07:00

Summer is going to be over before we know it. Proof of this is that I've just confirmed with my employer that I'm returning to work Oct 10th.

To comfort myself, I bought two new pairs of trousers for work at the local (excellent) consignment shop. Its the only good thing about working outside the home (well, apart from the paycheque and benefits) - getting to wear nicer clothes than stay-at-home-mum jeans and tees with applesauce stains. A new pair of black boots is a purchase in the near horizon as well.

But for now, easy livin' in washable clothes. Lovin can be messy with my babes.

cheer

2006-07-30T08:45:00.000-07:00

Nothing restores the mother's soul like a few hours at the salon for fresh highlights and a blow out. And coming home to a clean house, happy children, and a chilled bottle of wine in the fridge.

We're having a nice weekend.

my bleeding ears

2006-07-27T17:09:00.000-07:00

Ethan and Jude are currently sitting at the supper table (Jude's finished supper, Ethan's feeding himself his) having a screech-fest - and laughing. Its incredibly loud, but hey, they're preoccupied for 5 minutes and I can have a glass of wine, scan blogs, and update Sherocious.

But the screeching. UGH. It is nice to see Ethan really enjoying Jude these days though. But those two are Trouble with a capital T.

Jude's becoming more and more mobile each day - rolling over both ways now (not just front to back), scootching, and crawling backwards. He did sort of a forward lunge thing today to get to a toy. Seriously - I'm excited for the big crawl, but kinda dread it too. I remember when Ethan first crawled on Christmas Day 2004 (he was 10 1/2 months old, not a mere 8 months like Jude is now) and I both laughed and cried.

I may never get to sit down again.

parched

2006-07-23T16:31:00.000-07:00

Today is official "Recovery Day" from our bang-up BBQ last night for Troy's family. It was a load of fun and we stayed up way too late and I had too many glasses of wine - something I've not done since before Ethan was born. A hangover at 6:00 am parenting two young children is a lesson I won't have to learn twice.

But the party was worth it - everyone had a blast and the Bocci tourney was a lot of fun. And I'm feeling a lot better after my afternoon nap (horray!).

And - the boys got well-needed haircuts today - they look darling. Will post pics soon.

beautiful mums

2006-07-21T21:46:00.000-07:00

This is a wonderful blog with photos of mums and their pregnancy and post pregnancy bellies. Gorgeous, one and all.

I wish I had had the courage, and insight, to take belly shots during my pregnancies of Jude and Ethan. What was I afraid of?

Glorious.

brothers

2006-07-21T20:24:00.000-07:00

Don't know if I've ever posted this..but here is Ethan and Jude, at about the same age (6 months?) both in the exersaucer buggy.

They don't look alike, yet do. Interesting to compare!

Ethan definitely has his daddy's smile, Judie has his chin.

Its funny - on our walks and running into people we know: the older Jude gets the more apparently he looks just like Ethan. Which is neat. I'm so glad we've given Ethan a little brother. No one can make Jude laugh like Ethan can.

*love*

judie wudie

2006-07-21T16:46:00.000-07:00

Jude is 8 months old today!

And - it is hot. bleah.