Mommy, do you like the names Sam and Georgia?
Yes, DJ. Those are nice names. Are they friends of yours?
No, I was just thinking when you have another baby we could use those names. I like Sam for a boy and Georgia for a girl.
OH. What makes you think Mommy is going to have another baby?
Well - I am all grow'd up and Anderson is all grow'd up and Madigan thinks she is all grow'd up and she is almost all grow'd up. I am 5 and Anderson is 4 and Madiginny is 2 and so now we need another baby.
Oh.
Plus, your tummy is still big enough for another baby to get in. So, I think you should have another baby.
Oh.
Mommy?
Yes.
I think you should have another baby cause you have a big enough tummy and cause you are the best mommy in the world. Those are good reasons, right, Mommy?
Showing posts with label children. Show all posts
Showing posts with label children. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Monday, December 29, 2008
A tsunami of emotion
I have not felt much like blogging lately.
At first I thought it was because a silly incident that happened at Christmas... but then thought back to this week, four years ago. And I immediately realized why my heart was heavy, my words few, my mood sour and my eyes teary.
Four years ago 11 Indian Ocean countries were hit by a catastrophic tsunami. So many lives were lost. Such destruction, lost and peril. My heart goes out to everyone impacted by that powerful, destructive force of nature.
In the hours after the tsunami hit, I too was hit by my own personal tsunami. A tsunami of emotion.
Anderson was only a few weeks old. I had taken to sleeping in his nursery for night feedings. It is amazing how comfortable and wonderful I felt, nestled in with my second baby. I was happy.
Unlike with DJ, breast feeding came naturally. Ander and I quickly became pros at a skill that eluded me with DJ. For that, I was so happy and content.
Life was easy. I slept when baby Anderson slept, woke with him, fed him, changed him, cradled him. Repeat. David and my parents took care of everything else.
During one late night feeding I turned on the radio. Coverage of the tsunami was in full swing.
I sat, staring at the radio. Stunned at what I was hearing. My heart breaking for everyone involved or touched by this disaster.
I looked down at my little boy. So sweet. So innocent. I could not help but smile through my tears. I thanked God my family was safe. I hugged my little boy and drifted off to sleep with him at my breast.
Little did I know that I would soon be hit by my own tsunami. A tidal wave of emotion that would leave me crippled, injured and scared forever.
A few hours later Anderson awoke again, looking for boobie and comfort.
While I fed him I listened to the radio. The CBC was now speaking to survivors and the stories were heart wrenching. Every single one of them.
One in particular tore my heart. It was an interview with a woman from Australia. She had been on the beach with her 3 month old baby and her 30 month old son when the wave hit. She frantically struggled to hold onto her two young children. She spoke of how strangers attempted to grab her and her children - to rescue them. But, the tide was too strong and they were being pulled out further and further. She fought hard - trying to keep her babies above water.
She soon realized that without the ability to tread water, she and her babies would perish.
She had to make a choice.
Both her arms were wrapped around her children. She was frantic.
She had to make a choice.
At this point in the interview, the traumatized mother was sobbing and frantic. The interviewer was sobbing. I was sobbing.
I turned off the radio.
I looked into my sweet baby's face and drifted off to sleep.
Just 19 days earlier, I had become a mother for the second time. I now had newborn and a 12 month old. I was now responsible for two of God's children. Two. Like that Australian mother in Thailand. That mother who in split second, had to make a choice.
My exhausted body slept, but my dreams haunted me.
What if I had to make a choice? How could I make a choice. Would I make a choice? What would be my choice? What if I had to make a choice?
My dreams turned into nightmares of house fires and only having the ability to save one of my precious children. What would I choose to do? My dreams turned to nightmares of car accidents, and only having the ability of saving one of my sweet babies. My dreams turned to nightmares of illnesses and plagues - and me having to make a choice.
The next morning, my waking hours became my worse nightmares.
I became crippled with fear, anxiety and worry. I could not stop thinking of that woman from Australia, who had to make a choice.
I was hit by a tsunami of emotion. I became crippled by indecisiveness. Smothered with fear. Overwhelmed with anxiety.
At first I could hide it from everyone.
A few deep breaths before driving the car. A shake of my head to expel the demons would work.
Then, I began to unravel. I could not sleep. I could not focus. I could not cope.
I began to question my ability to be a good parent. I started to plan escape routes. I took to analyzing every day events for dangers. Risk was every where. At any moment, I might be called to make a choice. To make a decision. The decision.
Crippled by indecisiveness. Smothered with fear. Overwhelmed with anxiety.
Once when I was driving to playgroup I came to a stoplight. I stopped and waited for the light to change.
Before the light could change from red to green I became crippled by indecisiveness. Smothered with fear. Overwhelmed with anxiety.
The light turned green. I stared at the steering wheel. Unable to put my foot on the gas. The car behind me honked. I turned around. It was a burgundy Malibu. While turned, I looked down at my babies in the back seat. Secure in their car seats. I turned to face the front, hands gripping the steering wheel. What if. What if I did drive through that intersection and a car came through the intersection at the same time and was about to hit us. How could I save both my children? How could I angle our vehicle so that I took the brunt of the impact. What if only one of my babies would survive? What if I had to choose? What if I had to decide?
Crippled by indecisiveness. Smothered with fear. Overwhelmed with anxiety.
The turned red. I was safe. Then it turned green again.
I thank God for the police car that just happened to pull up beside me. I am certain the police officer could tell something was not right.
Cars honked. The light turned red again. I was safe.
The police officer got out of her car. Motioned for me to roll down my window.
Tears streaming down my face, all I mumbled was, " I cannot decide. I cannot choose. Please help me."
Crippled by indecisiveness. Smothered with fear. Overwhelmed with anxiety.
The police officer guided my out of my car. Walked me to a nearby plaza parking lot.
We called my husband.
I calmed down. To this day, I do not really remember what happened next. But my husband comforted me. He assured me. He loved me. He encouraged me.
Slowly, I drove home.
Slowly, I took control.
Slowly, the tides of emotion starting to reverse.
With love and support from family and friends, and medical help I survived a tsunami that is also called post partum anxiety. And while, the love and support I received from family and friends - along with medical help - helped me to deal, cope and conquer my demons, four years later I still struggle to understand the power and destruction a tsunami can pack.
My heart goes out to everyone impacted by the actual tsunami that hit Thailand and surrounding areas. By no means does this post make light of that situation. But at the same time, during this time of remembrance, I also think of all new parents who may be facing their own personal tsunami. I pray and hope they too can survive, like I did.
At first I thought it was because a silly incident that happened at Christmas... but then thought back to this week, four years ago. And I immediately realized why my heart was heavy, my words few, my mood sour and my eyes teary.
Four years ago 11 Indian Ocean countries were hit by a catastrophic tsunami. So many lives were lost. Such destruction, lost and peril. My heart goes out to everyone impacted by that powerful, destructive force of nature.
In the hours after the tsunami hit, I too was hit by my own personal tsunami. A tsunami of emotion.
Anderson was only a few weeks old. I had taken to sleeping in his nursery for night feedings. It is amazing how comfortable and wonderful I felt, nestled in with my second baby. I was happy.
Unlike with DJ, breast feeding came naturally. Ander and I quickly became pros at a skill that eluded me with DJ. For that, I was so happy and content.
Life was easy. I slept when baby Anderson slept, woke with him, fed him, changed him, cradled him. Repeat. David and my parents took care of everything else.
During one late night feeding I turned on the radio. Coverage of the tsunami was in full swing.
I sat, staring at the radio. Stunned at what I was hearing. My heart breaking for everyone involved or touched by this disaster.
I looked down at my little boy. So sweet. So innocent. I could not help but smile through my tears. I thanked God my family was safe. I hugged my little boy and drifted off to sleep with him at my breast.
Little did I know that I would soon be hit by my own tsunami. A tidal wave of emotion that would leave me crippled, injured and scared forever.
A few hours later Anderson awoke again, looking for boobie and comfort.
While I fed him I listened to the radio. The CBC was now speaking to survivors and the stories were heart wrenching. Every single one of them.
One in particular tore my heart. It was an interview with a woman from Australia. She had been on the beach with her 3 month old baby and her 30 month old son when the wave hit. She frantically struggled to hold onto her two young children. She spoke of how strangers attempted to grab her and her children - to rescue them. But, the tide was too strong and they were being pulled out further and further. She fought hard - trying to keep her babies above water.
She soon realized that without the ability to tread water, she and her babies would perish.
She had to make a choice.
Both her arms were wrapped around her children. She was frantic.
She had to make a choice.
At this point in the interview, the traumatized mother was sobbing and frantic. The interviewer was sobbing. I was sobbing.
I turned off the radio.
I looked into my sweet baby's face and drifted off to sleep.
Just 19 days earlier, I had become a mother for the second time. I now had newborn and a 12 month old. I was now responsible for two of God's children. Two. Like that Australian mother in Thailand. That mother who in split second, had to make a choice.
My exhausted body slept, but my dreams haunted me.
What if I had to make a choice? How could I make a choice. Would I make a choice? What would be my choice? What if I had to make a choice?
My dreams turned into nightmares of house fires and only having the ability to save one of my precious children. What would I choose to do? My dreams turned to nightmares of car accidents, and only having the ability of saving one of my sweet babies. My dreams turned to nightmares of illnesses and plagues - and me having to make a choice.
The next morning, my waking hours became my worse nightmares.
I became crippled with fear, anxiety and worry. I could not stop thinking of that woman from Australia, who had to make a choice.
I was hit by a tsunami of emotion. I became crippled by indecisiveness. Smothered with fear. Overwhelmed with anxiety.
At first I could hide it from everyone.
A few deep breaths before driving the car. A shake of my head to expel the demons would work.
Then, I began to unravel. I could not sleep. I could not focus. I could not cope.
I began to question my ability to be a good parent. I started to plan escape routes. I took to analyzing every day events for dangers. Risk was every where. At any moment, I might be called to make a choice. To make a decision. The decision.
Crippled by indecisiveness. Smothered with fear. Overwhelmed with anxiety.
Once when I was driving to playgroup I came to a stoplight. I stopped and waited for the light to change.
Before the light could change from red to green I became crippled by indecisiveness. Smothered with fear. Overwhelmed with anxiety.
The light turned green. I stared at the steering wheel. Unable to put my foot on the gas. The car behind me honked. I turned around. It was a burgundy Malibu. While turned, I looked down at my babies in the back seat. Secure in their car seats. I turned to face the front, hands gripping the steering wheel. What if. What if I did drive through that intersection and a car came through the intersection at the same time and was about to hit us. How could I save both my children? How could I angle our vehicle so that I took the brunt of the impact. What if only one of my babies would survive? What if I had to choose? What if I had to decide?
Crippled by indecisiveness. Smothered with fear. Overwhelmed with anxiety.
The turned red. I was safe. Then it turned green again.
I thank God for the police car that just happened to pull up beside me. I am certain the police officer could tell something was not right.
Cars honked. The light turned red again. I was safe.
The police officer got out of her car. Motioned for me to roll down my window.
Tears streaming down my face, all I mumbled was, " I cannot decide. I cannot choose. Please help me."
Crippled by indecisiveness. Smothered with fear. Overwhelmed with anxiety.
The police officer guided my out of my car. Walked me to a nearby plaza parking lot.
We called my husband.
I calmed down. To this day, I do not really remember what happened next. But my husband comforted me. He assured me. He loved me. He encouraged me.
Slowly, I drove home.
Slowly, I took control.
Slowly, the tides of emotion starting to reverse.
With love and support from family and friends, and medical help I survived a tsunami that is also called post partum anxiety. And while, the love and support I received from family and friends - along with medical help - helped me to deal, cope and conquer my demons, four years later I still struggle to understand the power and destruction a tsunami can pack.
My heart goes out to everyone impacted by the actual tsunami that hit Thailand and surrounding areas. By no means does this post make light of that situation. But at the same time, during this time of remembrance, I also think of all new parents who may be facing their own personal tsunami. I pray and hope they too can survive, like I did.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Gift Wrapped in Love
On Monday I worked an extended shift from 4am to 430pm. When I called home throughout the day there was never an answer.I kind of figured that hubby had braved the stores with three young children. (Fool!)
Due to terrible traffic, I did not get home until hubby was feeding the kiddies.
As soon as I walked into the kitchen, Anderson squealed with excitement and shouted," Mommy, Mommy, go into the garage and look to see if you like your new 'puter we bought you for Christmas!!!"
DJ then yelled out, "Anderson, SHUSH! We hid Mommy's new computer in the garage 'cause it is a surprise, SHUSH! Don't tell her about it!"
Wide-eyed at all the sudden excitement, Madigan then calls out, "'puter, Mama, 'puter, Mama!"
Yep, guess I am getting a new computer...while it will not be a surprised, it certainly is wrapped in love!!!
(Thanks Hubby, you are the best. Love you so very much!)
Friday, November 14, 2008
A long week in perspective
This has been a L--O--N--G week. The kids have really been testing my patience. They have been a bit out of control - and my house, my hair standing on end and my nervous twitch all prove it. If the boys were not beating the snot out of each other, the little girl was throwing a temper tantrum. If one child was not crying, then one was screaming or the other screeching. If they were not destroying a room in the house, then they were flooding the bathroom. If anyone liked the lunch I made, it was a miracle. If just one of the three went to bed with no issues, it was considered a success. If hubby and I made it to 2AM with no little people taking over the bed, it was heavenly. Oh, I have lost count of the number of crazy times in our house this week. It has been a L--O--N--G week.
Then, as I was wallowing in my sorrow, thinking I have it so rough, I saw this video...and everything was put into perspective. Everything.
Today is a professional development day - no school - so, with a new attitude, and after putting everything into perspective - I am going to make Friday a fun day - the best day of a really crappy week!
Then, as I was wallowing in my sorrow, thinking I have it so rough, I saw this video...and everything was put into perspective. Everything.
Today is a professional development day - no school - so, with a new attitude, and after putting everything into perspective - I am going to make Friday a fun day - the best day of a really crappy week!
Friday, October 31, 2008
Monday, July 28, 2008
Votes and Vacations!
Reality shows are getting more and more popular. It is unbelievable what the common-Joe will do on TV for money or 10 seconds of fame. You can vote for housemates, dancers, singers, performers - just about any type of person. I have to admit, there are a few reality shows I really enjoy: Dancing with the Stars, Amazing Race, and (sadly) America's Got Talent. I will even watch the first few episodes of Idol to see the crazy people.
Over the last 6 weeks I have been glued to a Canadian-based reality show. Every Sunday, even though I have to get up at 3AM for work, I race to the TV at 8PM, humming, well, honestly, belting out, the theme song to "What to do with a Problem Like Maria".
Yep. That is the name of this reality show. "What to do with a Problem Like Maria".
All die-hard fans will know right away the concept of this reality show.
For about an hour BEFORE the show I can be heard belting out songs like "The hills are alive with the sound of music" and "These are a few of my favorite things" and "Doe, a Deer". Then, after the show, I am humming the tunes for hours, even days.
Yep. It is a reality show to help cast the next Maria for the theatre production of The Sound of Music.
Over the last 6 weeks I have been glued to a Canadian-based reality show. Every Sunday, even though I have to get up at 3AM for work, I race to the TV at 8PM, humming, well, honestly, belting out, the theme song to "What to do with a Problem Like Maria".
Yep. That is the name of this reality show. "What to do with a Problem Like Maria".
All die-hard fans will know right away the concept of this reality show.
For about an hour BEFORE the show I can be heard belting out songs like "The hills are alive with the sound of music" and "These are a few of my favorite things" and "Doe, a Deer". Then, after the show, I am humming the tunes for hours, even days.
Yep. It is a reality show to help cast the next Maria for the theatre production of The Sound of Music.
I LOVE the Sound of Music movie starring Julie Andrews. And I cannot wait for the stage production in Toronto, Ontario, Canada this Fall.
This reality show, while a bit corny and Canadian-quirky has been very enjoyable. They started out with 200 contestants and over the weeks it has been narrowed down to two. Click HERE to read more about the show. Andrew Lloyd Webber is even involved in the show. Too cool!
The competition has been amazing. These gals can sing, dance and act. The race has been very tight. All of the top 10, let alone the top 3 could be leading ladies in almost any musical. I can only imagine what this exposure will do for their careers on stage.
Two of my top three made it to the final. I have been cheering for Janna, but have liked Elicia since "Maria School". Yep. Maria School...go, click on the link above and learn more about it!!!
Anyways...last night, for the first time EVER, I voted for a reality show contestant. After the last performance I ran down to the computer and logged my vote. I also made hubby vote for my favorite contestant too!
Tonight, at 8PM the voting results will be in...I am on the edge of my seat!! I cannot wait! Funny, I can now understand how people, who do routinely vote for their favorite reality stars, really feel connected to the show once they cast a vote, take a stand and invest in the outcome of the show.
How do you solve a problem like Maria? -- One of my favorite things, for sure!!!!!
Now onto vacation news...I am officially on vacation this week. Oh, do not get me wrong, I am still getting up at 3AM and going to work for 4AM. I am still coming home and being a stay-at-home mom through the day - but, to only one kiddie! Yep, the boys are off to full-day camp - so, it is just Madigan and I....can you say VACATION?!??!?!?!? I am so excited to only have one little person in my charge. For those of you with more than one child, you know exactly what I am talking about!!! It is so rare to get one-on-one time when you have more than one child - so, I am hoping to make the most of this week - in terms of play and attention, but also in terms of getting household duties that are near impossible to complete with a 4 year old, 3 year old and at 17 month old under foot! Ya! VACATION!!!!
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Sammy Slowdown Set for the Slammer?
I would like you to meet Sammy Slowdown. 
Sammy has became a much loved member of our family. Whenever we go out to play in the yard the boys race to get Sammy. I feel a bit safer with Sammy protecting us - standing on guard for us.
We live on a corner lot and have a pool in the back yard, so, we have built a nice little play area on the side yard. The kids spend hours playing there. It is relatively a quiet neighbourhood, but the through cars seem to ignore the 40KM an hour and speed past our house. There are no sidewalks and as all parents know, the road seems to draw kids close!
Then Sammy came to live with us. We place him on the edge of the road. He does one heck of a great job. Drivers seem to slow down - many even wave at the kids and a few even give the thumb up sign. When Sammy is on duty I can honestly say most of the traffic slows down and drives a bit more cautiously. Before Sammy, many drives would come to a rolling stop at the stop sign by my house, now most see Sammy and stop. I was constantly worried about the safety of my kids. Sammy now makes me feel a bit more safe, and he is a reminder for both the drivers and for our kids. They know that only Sammy can stand on the road and that they need to keep away. A double win!
One day Sammy took one for the family. He was standing guard on the edge of the street - taking up 1/3 of the width a parked car takes up and a driver hit him. The kids were devastated that Sammy got hit, and glad that he did not get hurt...my heart was pounding, that could have been one of the kids. That day I was even more happy than ever for Sammy.
Since we first welcomed Sammy into our home, at least 5 other families have adopted their own Sammys. Everyone has seen the good Sammy does in detouring speeding and reckless driving in our quiet neighbourhoods.
I love Sammy.
But apparently, Sammy is a wanted fugitive and he may end up in the slammer.
The city of Ottawa has a bylaw against placing such signs and one Ottawa family was recently handed a notice of violation. A neighbour complained about the sign and according to Bylaw 2003-520 3(a), which states: "No person shall place a sign on a highway that is on the roadway." The family could be fined.
Read this article that appeared in The National Post. It states that Ottawa is regarded as "the most over regulated, uptight city in Canada". It sites this by-law along with 4 other trite bylaws.
This is CRAZY! The neighbour who called must be crazy...or at least have no kids.
It is our duty to protect our children. Sammy Slowdown has proven to work and does not interfere with traffic flow...unless you count the fact that he slows traffic to a more acceptable speed that is more in line with the posted speed limits.
Please, leave your comment and help me generate world-wide support against this bylaw craziness. HELP SAVE SAMMY. HELP SAVE OUR KIDS.
If you would really like to take a stand, please visit Eye on Ottawa and leave a comment there too. This non-profit organization seeks opportunities to make an impact on municipal administration and political process in our fine city.
Help save Sammy Slowdown from the slammer - help keep our children safe. Comment now!
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Scrolling Saturday - That means you are special
Yep! It is Saturday again.
Gather up your favorite archived post, dust it off and repost it!! It's that easy! Click HERE to view other Scrolling Saturday entries.
Thank you to the hostesses of this meme, Manners and Moxie and SuchSimplePleasures.
With the hustle and and bustle of life, I sometimes forget that I am special. I think this is a common occurrence for many busy moms. Happily, my son DJ reminded me that I, his mommy, am special. I hope you enjoy this post that I first posted on Friday August 17, 2007.
That means you are special - Part 1 and 2
I have 2 separate stories I would like to share with my "faithful" readers - well, with my wonderful husband and my mom - since I am pretty sure they are the only people reviewing my posts.
When DJ (my eldest son) was just 10 days old he had emergency surgery that saved his life. It is certainly amazing what the medical field can do...and we are eternally thankful. He was left with a faint, long, narrow scar on his belly. When he was just over 2 years old he questioned his scar. Thinking on my feet, I replied that it is a line that says "you are special" and that Dr. Reuben put it there when he saw "how special you are".
Now when anyone comments on DJ's scar or on his little medic alert bracelet, he replies that both mean he is special ---- which he truly is.
Part one of my story begins with the bewitching hour, when Mommy makes dinner and the kids destroy the house. Well, as I made dinner, I could hear the boys chatting in the front room:
Anderson: What's that??
DJ: That's my special line that Dr. Ruby gave me when he made me better. It means that I am special.
Anderson: OH.
DJ: I do not see one on you...MOMMY, why doesn't Sanson have a special line too??
Mommy from the kitchen: Anderson did not have tummy troubles, so he does not have a line, but we all know he is very special - aren't you Sweetheart?
Anderson: (proudly) Me special too.
That was the end of the conversation...or so, I thought.
At bath time I helped DJ take off his clothes and climb into the tub...and when I pulled off Anderson's shirt my mouth dropped. There in thick, permanent marker was scribbles and lines masterfully done by no one but a 2 year old.
DJ proudly confessed by saying " Mommy, Sanson is very special too, so, I made sure he knows it!"
How could I be mad? My heart swelled. Big brother DJ making sure little brother Anderson (and everyone else) knew he was special too.
I will always cherish that moment, and remember it forever.
Part Two
Jump ahead almost a year. Part two begins on a hot summer afternoon. Mommy and DJ are putting on our bathing suits to take a dip in our pool. Very innocently, DJ comes over to my side and rubs my belly. I feel a little bit self conscience - you see, I am currently struggling with my weight and ask him what he is doing. Three pregnancies in three years has reeked havoc on my body, leaving lots of extra pounds, stretch marks and sadly, a low self-esteem.
With big blue eyes, and a very innocent and loving heart he asks, "Mommy, what's that?"
I realize that he is either pointing at my stretch marks or to the indentation the waist band of my pre-pregnancy pants have left on my plump tummy.
I start to explain how having babies in Mommy's tummy changed her body and DJ interrupts, "Mommy you sure have lots of lines that say you are special - I love you and you are my special Mommy - you are the best Mommy in the world. Can we go swimming now?"
I have never been prouder of those stretch marks.And, I have never been motivated more to change my eating habits and loose this baby weight. So, that I can keep up with my 3 very special kids.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
This & That Thursday
Dear Girl who works with scissors at First Choice,
I dare not call you a Hairdresser or a Hairstylist. My dear girl, by your own words you are a hip, party-going, non-listening, self absorbed child. For the record, Dorothy Hamill never had a modern funky bob-like cut. Nor does her famous hairstyle come close to looking like the photo I handed to you --- a photo of me, with my hair the way I wanted it. Instead of telling me about your latest tattoo you are hiding from your mother and the great party you are going to on Friday- take a moment and listen to my request.
___________
Anderson (3) was placed in the bad boy's chair for biting his little sister (1). He was alone in the front room, I was in the kitchen and Madigan crawled into the front room. Anderson lowered his voice to a whisper and did his funny imitation of a whistle:
Whooo whoo, Madiginny, come here.
Whooo whoo, Madiginny, I'm stuck in the bad boy's chair.
Where's Mommy?
Come get me out Madiginny. I need your help.
Get me out!
I will not bite you anymore!
Needless to say, I was laughing my butt off in the kitchen....little scam artist looking for his victim to spring him!
___________
DJ: Mommy, Badame (Madame) asked me today if I was "comment ca va" that means "How are you".
Mommy: That is right. How did you answer?
DJ: I told Badame I was commie si commie sir.
Mommy: Oh, you told here you were comme si comme ça. That means I am OK, not great, but not bad.
DJ: Mommy you do not know how to speak French. Badame tells me it is commie si commie sir. And she is my teacher Mommy. You are just my Mommy and you do not know French.
Boy, that sure gives me confidence for my upcoming French presentation this weekend and my exam the following weekend!!!!
I dare not call you a Hairdresser or a Hairstylist. My dear girl, by your own words you are a hip, party-going, non-listening, self absorbed child. For the record, Dorothy Hamill never had a modern funky bob-like cut. Nor does her famous hairstyle come close to looking like the photo I handed to you --- a photo of me, with my hair the way I wanted it. Instead of telling me about your latest tattoo you are hiding from your mother and the great party you are going to on Friday- take a moment and listen to my request.
___________
Anderson (3) was placed in the bad boy's chair for biting his little sister (1). He was alone in the front room, I was in the kitchen and Madigan crawled into the front room. Anderson lowered his voice to a whisper and did his funny imitation of a whistle:
Whooo whoo, Madiginny, come here.
Whooo whoo, Madiginny, I'm stuck in the bad boy's chair.
Where's Mommy?
Come get me out Madiginny. I need your help.
Get me out!
I will not bite you anymore!
Needless to say, I was laughing my butt off in the kitchen....little scam artist looking for his victim to spring him!
___________
This year DJ has been introduced to French. Every day he get 20 minutes of French instruction. It has been great to hear him counting in French, reciting the alphabet and even telling me the words for certain objects. It is great how kids have no fear in saying something wrong or if they do not know the proper grammar. I am currently taking a College level French course and I can only dream of being so carefree as DJ when it comes to chatting.
DJ: Mommy, Badame (Madame) asked me today if I was "comment ca va" that means "How are you".
Mommy: That is right. How did you answer?
DJ: I told Badame I was commie si commie sir.
Mommy: Oh, you told here you were comme si comme ça. That means I am OK, not great, but not bad.
DJ: Mommy you do not know how to speak French. Badame tells me it is commie si commie sir. And she is my teacher Mommy. You are just my Mommy and you do not know French.
Boy, that sure gives me confidence for my upcoming French presentation this weekend and my exam the following weekend!!!!
___________
Madigan is not yet walking on her own. But, if you put on a CD and tell her to danse, she will sway back and forth and eventually make her way across the floor. It is the cutest thing EVER!
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Milestones
It seems that a baby's life is simply a series of milestones: holds up head, sits, crawls, walks, talks, etc. As a first time parent, I was constantly checking the baby books to determine if our child's milestones are occurring at the correct times. My "What to Expect in the First Year" book has ear-marks at the start of each chapter and each page is very worn and the entire book has been thumbed through. I would quickly glance over the 'what your child should be able to do" section, quickly read over the 'what your child may possibly be able to do" section, and then carefully study the 'what your child might possibly be able to do" section.
Our eldest child was an early bloomer in terms of milestones. Actually, at times he appeared to be a freak of nature! Sitting on his own at 3 months, rolling over before 4 months, combat crawling at 4 months (and a day!), cruising furniture at 7 months (and 4 days), balancing on his own and letting go of said furniture at 7 months (and 14 days) and taking his first steps at 9 months and confidently walking by 10 months. Freak!
Boy, did we have issues with his early milestone achievements. Firstly, we got kicked out of Baby and Me Yoga. The course description indicated it was ideal for Moms and babies up to 6 months...the fine print said, "non-mobile" babies. We were expelled after only 1 class as my combat crawler would attempt to visit other babies laying peacefully below their posing moms.
The second issue we had was a bit more serious. We caused tensions and comparisons for other baby-mommy units - especially at play groups. I will never forget a mom watching DJ crawl around, then ask me his birth date...only to discover her child was actually 19 days older than DJ. Then she started to interrogate me: WOW, sitting up already (or crawling or cruising, or doing algebra),eh?? What exactly are you doing to encourage this behaviour? Her body language and attitude was as if I had some secret I was keeping from her!
I hate it when parents compare children. Every child is different and it is wrong to compare them with others.
Unfortunately, we fell into the habit of comparing milestones accomplishment dates between DJ and Anderson. I guess it is normal to do that - especially when there is less than a year between them. It was easy to remember DJ's milestones, especially since he was our first and given the fact that most had just occurred!
We never fretted over seeing Ander meet DJ's dates. But we did use DJ's dates as a bench mark. Anderson quickly proved he would do everything at his own time, and always fell into the normal category.
But the truth be told, we were anxious for Anderson to hit all his milestones. It was challenging caring for two little ones so close in age. And the sooner he hit certain milestones, the more he could interact with his big brother and take some stresses off me! But we never pushed and we always celebrated his own personal development journey.
I have always been very grateful that DJ walked so early. Could you imagine lugging a 1 month old and a 12 month old around in the snow and cold weather? It would have been hell. At least DJ was steady on his feet and would hold onto my hand or the bucket seat when we walked from the car to play group.
It is a very different frame of mind that I am enjoying Madigan's milestones. With each, I experience a small whiff of melancholy, and usually say a quick prayer that she does not rush. I need to enjoy and totally take in each stage she passes. She is my last baby - I want to enjoy, savour and totally appreciate each of her milestones. And a little part of me wants her to remain my little baby girl forever!!!
DJ was our "adorable freak", Anderson was our "in my own time cowboy" and Madigan is just establishing her milestone character (I am hoping she is my slow and steady princess!)
At first we watched Madigan very quickly master sitting up on her own...and the play group integration by other moms started right away. She started combat crawling fairly early and has done that for awhile. Mags is just starting to crawl properly. I am very happy for this - not because it is a milestone, but because she is much slower a proper crawler than a combat crawler. I hope this will stretch out this milestone and allow me to properly admire and soak it all in. But I must admit, she is growing up too fast. She is no longer a newborn, and I fear i will blink and I will be watching my little girl walk down the aisle!
When and how each of the Storrie Trilogy has mastered the normal baby milestones is as different as each of their personalities. Each to be admired, praised and championed.
Our eldest child was an early bloomer in terms of milestones. Actually, at times he appeared to be a freak of nature! Sitting on his own at 3 months, rolling over before 4 months, combat crawling at 4 months (and a day!), cruising furniture at 7 months (and 4 days), balancing on his own and letting go of said furniture at 7 months (and 14 days) and taking his first steps at 9 months and confidently walking by 10 months. Freak!
Boy, did we have issues with his early milestone achievements. Firstly, we got kicked out of Baby and Me Yoga. The course description indicated it was ideal for Moms and babies up to 6 months...the fine print said, "non-mobile" babies. We were expelled after only 1 class as my combat crawler would attempt to visit other babies laying peacefully below their posing moms.
The second issue we had was a bit more serious. We caused tensions and comparisons for other baby-mommy units - especially at play groups. I will never forget a mom watching DJ crawl around, then ask me his birth date...only to discover her child was actually 19 days older than DJ. Then she started to interrogate me: WOW, sitting up already (or crawling or cruising, or doing algebra),eh?? What exactly are you doing to encourage this behaviour? Her body language and attitude was as if I had some secret I was keeping from her!
I hate it when parents compare children. Every child is different and it is wrong to compare them with others.
Unfortunately, we fell into the habit of comparing milestones accomplishment dates between DJ and Anderson. I guess it is normal to do that - especially when there is less than a year between them. It was easy to remember DJ's milestones, especially since he was our first and given the fact that most had just occurred!
We never fretted over seeing Ander meet DJ's dates. But we did use DJ's dates as a bench mark. Anderson quickly proved he would do everything at his own time, and always fell into the normal category.
But the truth be told, we were anxious for Anderson to hit all his milestones. It was challenging caring for two little ones so close in age. And the sooner he hit certain milestones, the more he could interact with his big brother and take some stresses off me! But we never pushed and we always celebrated his own personal development journey.
I have always been very grateful that DJ walked so early. Could you imagine lugging a 1 month old and a 12 month old around in the snow and cold weather? It would have been hell. At least DJ was steady on his feet and would hold onto my hand or the bucket seat when we walked from the car to play group.
It is a very different frame of mind that I am enjoying Madigan's milestones. With each, I experience a small whiff of melancholy, and usually say a quick prayer that she does not rush. I need to enjoy and totally take in each stage she passes. She is my last baby - I want to enjoy, savour and totally appreciate each of her milestones. And a little part of me wants her to remain my little baby girl forever!!!
DJ was our "adorable freak", Anderson was our "in my own time cowboy" and Madigan is just establishing her milestone character (I am hoping she is my slow and steady princess!)
At first we watched Madigan very quickly master sitting up on her own...and the play group integration by other moms started right away. She started combat crawling fairly early and has done that for awhile. Mags is just starting to crawl properly. I am very happy for this - not because it is a milestone, but because she is much slower a proper crawler than a combat crawler. I hope this will stretch out this milestone and allow me to properly admire and soak it all in. But I must admit, she is growing up too fast. She is no longer a newborn, and I fear i will blink and I will be watching my little girl walk down the aisle!
When and how each of the Storrie Trilogy has mastered the normal baby milestones is as different as each of their personalities. Each to be admired, praised and championed.
Friday, August 31, 2007
Out numbered (and loving it!)
When people find out that we have a 3 1/2 year old, a 2 1/2 year old and a 6 month old baby they all seem to have the same look of pity come over their faces. And nine times out of ten they will comment,"Boy, you must be busy!". To this predictable comment I always add, "... and loving it!".
But, I have to admit, at times we (my husband and I) feel a bit out numbered.
My husband and I never really discussed how many kids we each thought would be ideal. We always knew we would like to have children - in the plural, but no real number was ever discussed. I came from a family of two siblings and David is the eldest of four.
Our adventure started one February morning when we decided to forgo birth control in hopes of starting a family some time soon. Imagine our surprise when it happened that month!
DJ's entry into this world was not easy, smooth or anything like I had envisioned. I had planned and prepared for a drug-free natural birth. But after many, many hours of hard labour, a c-section had to be done. After DJ came into our lives my husband and I never discussed wanting another baby. Unfortunately, DJ had a very rough start to life and ended up in the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario. After life saving surgery, we found out that our son has a very rare genetic syndrome. So, after the emotional roller coaster ride we had just been on, we never discussed having a second.
Then, after 3 weeks of thinking I had post partum depression and then the stomach flu, we discovered we were pregnant. Not just a little bit pregnant (if there is such a thing), but 13 weeks pregnant! We were worried at first, but special testing assured us that Anderson did not have any organ/heart anomalies. We felt so blessed - 2 wonderful little boys - less than a year apart.
Since the delivery for Anderson was very traumatic on my body, the doctors recommended no more babies. Slowly, I came to terms with that...though deep down, I knew our family was not yet complete.
David and I discussed and even spoke to our doctor about the Big V. But then, before any appointment could be set up, I started having pregnancy symptoms. A pregnancy test revelled we were expecting our third baby in just over 3 years!
What a blessing and a shock! We were a bit nervous and anxious. Let me rephrase that - I was a bit nervous and David was shell-shocked!!!!!
You see, we had gotten use to having 2 children. Our joke was that we were "made" for two...
...two hands - one for each child to hold
...two shoulders - one for each child to cry or rest on
...two eyes - to keep an eye on each child
...two ears - to listen to each child
...and two of us.
Now that Madigan is here - we have no regrets. But that said, we, especially David, feels out numbered at times. Having three children is very challenging - especially when there is only 38 months between the first and the third.
There are days that I feel frustrated and over whelmed, but then I look into my heart and realize this is my calling, my blessing. Some one up there must really trust me with His/Her precious belongings if He/She sent me three to love, nurture, teach and learn from. I find strength in a loving hug; courage in a silly grin; calm in a loving glance; and beauty in every new experience or skill my children attempt.
My husband loves all three kids so much. I love watching him play with each of them - with all of them! My soccer buddies & scrapbooking pals are always impressed when I arrive sans-children and we all comment on how great it is that David "takes" all three kids. I am very lucky to have such an active, hands-on, understanding parenting partner. He is amazing: knowing when I need a break and making sure I get my own personal time. But, I know he struggles with being out numbered. My heart yearns to help him see what a wonderful father he is and to help him when he is feeling a bit frazzled or over whelmed. We make a wonderful team. A deep desire is to find a way to show David how together we can over come any challenges that these there munchkins can throw at us - now and in the many wonderful years to come.
Our family is now complete, and I am loving it!
And if it is any consolation, "they" say 3 is the new 2!!!!
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