Falling off the Bandwagon...& Jumping Back On?

I have to say 2011 started off with a bang! I had several projects lined up that I was going to attack with gusto...

Now as I realize the third month of the year is almost over,
I've totally,
completely
and utterly
fallen off the bandwagon. I'm not exactly sure how it happened, but it must be a mix of great intentions, a busy life, forgetfulness...with just a little touch of procrastination thrown in for good measure.  I'd like to say I'm going to jump immediately back on and "get caught up".  But let's just be real for a second (or two). I still haven't finished projects from 2010 that include my Project 365/Project Life binder, my Week In the Life, my December Daily...and quite frankly, the list continues. Adding to that, of course, is the fact that my life is about to drastically change again in exactly 7 days (if not sooner). Therefore, I'm not going to be foolish and say I'm jumping right back on the bandwagon :)

I really, really wanted to stay caught up with my Project Life this year - and thought I could do a better job of that if I focused on a week at a time vs. a picture a day.  What I'm finding is that for me I require the focus and constancy that is a picture a day...otherwise I simply neglect to pick up the camera.  Last year, I kept a spreadsheet on my computer where I quickly jotted what my "picture" for the day was, a brief note of what happened that day or some journalling on my thoughts for the day.  It worked incredibly well...and then when I had a little more time to dedicate to sitting in front of the computer, I edited my pics (I added date stamps to almost all of them) and saved in specific folders (titled by month)...so when I actually remembered that I was going somewhere that I could print out pictures, they were all organized in one specific place ready & waiting.  This is a system that I AM going to get "caught up" on - as I really have no idea what pictures I've taken, and if/when I get a chance to get somewhere to print them out, it will take me ages to sort & categorize & decide which to print.

I still have my "one little word" in the back of my mind...and let's just say this new evaluation is my attempt to STRIVE to be a little bit more realistic (as I tend to be a bit of a dreamer...or as my hubby would say "a little all or nothing").

I still think that setting one goal a month is a realistic way of attacking life...I just sort of forgot to set a goal for the months of February and March, lol.  I think my goal(s) for April are going to focus on "decluttering" my computer in an attempt to address some of the issues mentioned above...but I've still got two days to mull over exactly what the goal(s) should be.

Until then, I'm going to leave you with the suspense of trying to guess what I'll dream up next...and these pictures taken a year ago today:

(Apparently it was a heck of a lot warmer last year at this time - hence the front door open - and I was a heck of a nice wife...baking cake for my hubby - although I honestly planned to bake a cake for him today, too....weird). It is kind of neat to look back in the files and just randomly pull out a picture taken exactly 365 days ago. Have I said recently how cool Project Life is?

Gotta run...gotta go jump back on the bandwagon...

Yay for the Everyday!

03.27.2011

Until today, our basement has been a bit of a "storage" facility...parts of the retro decor remained and basically anything that we didn't know what to do with ended up down there, despite efforts not to become junk collectors. Today was a big day for our basement, however...
All the junk got consolidated into the bedroom (where carpet was laid yesterday) and the "big room" got the carpet treatment today! B totally enjoyed "helping". B totally enjoyed the carpet. Plain & simple. Seeing him playing - just rolling around, laying on his tummy, laying on his back, just happy for the presence of this new floor covering made my heart sing! Oh the fun we are sure to have in this new living space! Yay for this moment! Yay for the everyday :)

I {Heart} This Day!

03.26.2011

Saturday.
A day at home.
A day with all three of our current little family home.
A day of ripping, tearing & reorganizing in the basement.
A day of B helping Daddy - what a little copycat. Folding a little piece of carpet when daddy folded a big piece of carpet. Using the edge paddle on the carpet just like daddy.  Using the drill just like daddy. Carrying things back and forth. Priceless.

This is what is for supper tonight. Yummy & very easy. A "Daddy favourite" around here! A "Mommy" favourite around here (as it makes a colossal size supper = lots of leftovers :)

This was a great day :)
Happy Saturday, everyone!

Sunshine :)

03.24.2011
After a few days of wind, dreary skies, snowfall...
the sunshine is welcomed with wide arms today!

I love how the big flakes of snow seemed to sparkle in the morning sun :)
(although this picture doesn't really do it justice)

Thank-you sunshine!

This boy...

03.21.2011

We welcome spring this year with an 18 month old! It seems so long ago (yet not) that this little man entered our lives. 

At 18 months, here are the current "B-isms":
- waves by wiggling fingers
- drags his little chairs everywhere to use as stools
- climbing monkey (will climb on anything, anywhere)
- knows when he is being an imp and wants to be chased
- has a super tickley stomach
- likes to dance to music
- will hold up one finger when you ask him how old he is
- knows where his eyes, ears, nose, fingers, toes, belly, hair etc are
- nods emphatically and gives a really big grin and a "peeees" when he really wants something (then does a happy dance in one spot when he knows he is about to get what he wants...this is one of my fav things right now)
- points and gestures when he wants something (and knows what he wants)
- loves his soother & blanket (although only supposed to use at nap time...often squeaks them out of us when he is tired and playing)
- asks for a bath
- waves bye-bye without being prompted at bedtime or when leaving the house (probably after months of saying "say goodbye to Oscar")
- waves to trucks that drive by on the street
- loves talking to his grandparents on skype (especially seeing Grandpa)
- getting a little less fussy about eating again
- has had a few time outs when conducting mischief...and will stick out bottom lip and rub eyes and cry when he does...when asked to say sorry will reach to be picked up and want to give a hug (that's his way of "sorry")
- throws tantrums when tired, hungry, or just because
- has become a bit of a "momma suck" and will cry when being left by momma
- talks in jibberish sentences
- says a few words very clearly - for example: dad, truck, woof, hat, momma, please 
- says many words that are sometimes understandable - like walk, snack, water, Oscar, shoe, Ben...
- loves to read books
- loves to stack things (like tupperware containers & pots & pans)
- loves to "help" unload the dishwasher & bake/cook
- when put to bed and doesn't want to sleep, shakes or kicks the crib sides until someone comes to rescue him
- claps for himself and says "yay" when he thinks he has done something good
- wants to strip down as soon as he gets playing hard (and is trying to take his diaper off as well)
- is impossible to get a picture of...he is never still for even the fraction of a second it takes!

Delicious!

I've been promising the hubby for a few days now I would bake him something. (The day I originally decided to bake I had asked him for his request - his answer..."anything with cake in the name" lol).  Because he isn't picky in the least (as long as it doesn't contain peanut butter), I decided I needed to try a new recipe.

This is what I came up with in the recipe search & I think it is absolutely delicious!

Pumpkin Pecan Cake
2 c flour
1 T baking pwdr
1/2 t baking soda
1/4 t salt

3 large eggs
1 1/2 c brwn sugar, packed

14 oz can pumpkin
1/2 c oil
1/3 c sour cream
2 t finely grated orange zest
1 t vanilla
1 c chopped pecans

1. Beat eggs & sugar until thick and pale.
2. Add next 5 ingredients. Beat well. Add pecans & stir.
3. Combine dry ingredients (1st 4 ingredients) in a bowl, make a well.  Add wet mixture to well & stir. ** note - I used my electric mixer & just added the dry ingredients to wet ingredients and that worked just fine**
4. Pour batter into greased 9x13 & bake @ 350 for 25-30 minutes.
5. Let stand for 15 minutes to cool slightly.
6. Ice while warm. Sprinkle pecans on top.

Orange Icing
1 3/4 c icing sugar
3 T melted butter
2 T orange juice

I love the unexpected but subtle combination of orange & pumpkin. SO yummy! Give it a try :)

I did...and...I did!

Just in case you were all wondering...

I did bite the bullet and purchase both the carseat & the stroller I mentioned in that previous, ripe-with-indecision, blog post.

I spent considerable time shopping online to find the best "bargains" for both, and when I had several people immediately interested in my old stroller, I decided I could justify the purchase(s).  After all - can you really put a price tag on your child's safety? I just couldn't get the "what ifs" out of my head.

I've had a few people ask me about what models/brands the products I was talking about were...

The infant bucket car seat is the Peg Perego Primo Viaggio SIP (the one I purchased is a 2010 model, which is one of the reasons why I was able to find it for such a "good deal" - the other reason is probably the slightly obnoxious colour & pattern of the cloth). It remains one of the most popular infant bucket seats and is considered to be one of the best built and safe in the industry...my "expired" one is the same brand.

The stroller is the Baby Jogger City Select. I loved the flexibility of this one, as I was danged if I was spending another gazillion dollars on a stroller to be "locked into" just one or two options for use.  I love that I can use this as a double OR single stroller, with the toddler seat, bassinet, infant car seat or any combination thereof.  I know several people that have this stroller and really like it...so decided to just go with it. Again, I was able to find a 2010 model so it greatly reduced the purchase price. I purchased it online in the US. Now - before you go and persecute me on this decision, let me explain why I did so (as I truly do like to support our Canadian economy as much as possible). With strollers, there are no differing safety regulations like that for car seats between countries. In the US, there are many more retailers offering the product. In the US, prices on average are $100 - 150 less expensive (and when you factor how strong the Canadian dollar is compared to the US dollar at this point in time, the savings is significant). In the US, the majority of retailers offer FREE shipping (Canadian retailers, in general, seem to charge a HEFTY shipping fee). I managed to buy this stroller with all the accessories that I desired for around $350 - 400 less than what I would have paid walking into a Canadian retail center for the same product. Money talks...

Hope that helps answer some questions.  Here are some tips that I can offer about this shopping experience!
1. It PAYS to shop around people...if you find one retailer with a particular policy that "beats" or outshines that of the cheaper retailers', consider calling and asking for a price match.  It worked for me - saved me an additional $25!
2. Don't purchase without knowing shipping charges (one website wouldn't calculate until you had actually clicked "buy" - yikes! When I called, the shipping would have been almost $80! Add that into the purchase price and it wasn't such a good deal anymore).
3. Consider purchasing last years' model.  Saved me hundreds over both purchases!

Happy shopping :)

Do I or Don't I?

Let me just start this post with a disclaimer...much indecision to follow! (so for those of you whom this characteristic is a pet peeve, you may wish to skip reading)

So...typical me.  Today, in an effort to have a really low key day (as the doctor has instructed and I must admit I've been failing at, relatively speaking, until today) I got thinking. If you're muttering uh-oh at this point...you're probably right and not alone - echoing my husband's thoughts on the matter).

I can be a bit like an ostrich. For example, until a friend mentioned it, I had absolutely NO idea that car seats "expire".  I must admit I heard this a few months ago.  A few months ago I knew that I would be needing to use my infant car seat relatively soon...but did I go and check it then? Nah. Only today did this thought come back to me (with less than 3 weeks until I will be needing to use said seat). Turns out the seat I have "expired" according to research two years ago. So now I need to decide if I believe these "expiration" dates...or not. I found a seat for $100 less expensive than it would cost in the nearest retail store...

Do I or don't I?

Also got to thinking about "strolling" today...as it is a daily occurrence for me (weather & injuries permitting, that is).  I realized the single, luxury brand stroller I have will be of limited use to me once bambino arrives...especially since B will still need to ride in a stroller for quite some time. My hubby hates it, thinks it is a beast.  There are lots of features that I really like about it...but the idea of always needing to use a carrier to carry either toddler or baby while the other rides in stroller is not all that appealing. Of course, I do have the chariot, which is a double stroller perfect for rolling around town with or taking places where alot of outdoors action will be involved (parks, trails, farm, etc). However it is a bit wide to take places, especially inside places like stores, malls, etc & again, hubby doesn't love having to try to pack it along with all the other gear travelling with small children & a chronically over-packing wife entails (and it will be a bit difficult for me to use immediately post c-section as it is low to the ground & I have to bend over to get children in/out & strapped in).  Bottom line is this - it got me researching.  I came up with a model of stroller that gives maximum flexibility for use with either one OR two little people (there are at least 16 different configurations, including the toddler seats shown in the picture below, a bassinet or car seat). It is more compact in size and dimensions than the chariot. But...it is expensive, especially as each accessory is an "add-on" (one of my retail pet peeves). I found it online for more than $350 less than it would cost me from our nearest retailer. I love a "bargain". I debated...do I need it? Am I sure it is exactly what I want? Hemmed and hawed, hemmed and hawed.

Do I, or don't I?

As you can see, I have impeccable timing.  I am feeling a bit of a crunch to make a decision on both items as d-day draws nearer.  Why do I always leave things to the last minute? Hmmm....

The new addition...

03.18.2011

The new rocker that I purchased for those middle of the night rocking/feeding/comforting sessions that are just part of being a mom!

It is such an improvement on the old rocker (that was wicker and far too low to be practical to use).

I've been struggling with exactly where it should call home in the house...but have settled that probably the best place for the time being is in the living room. For this reason, I have left the plastic on as this chair is fabric and I have a diggity-dog that loves to think he is people and use the furniture as his own.  The plastic is an attempt to limit the amount of dog hair that clings to the new addition (although I may just slip-cover it for now). Yes, you may roll your eyes at me now...but I am honestly trying to make an attempt to keep the dog hair down within the main living space to help B w his asthma.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

03.17.2011

Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Today was an event-filled day...many activities going on at school, etc.

I was proud of myself for remembering to dress B in green (and myself, too, for that matter, lol).

I love that B is currently into stepping into my shoes and wearing them around the house. Sometimes he just cracks me up with what a copycat he is.

Although this picture is not at all in focus, I love it. It captures B at this stage of life so perfectly.  He is literally a blur as he whizzes around the house from one activity to the next.  I actually had quite a hard time taking this picture as he was so into being right on my tail that I couldn't get far enough away from him in order to let my camera & lens focus properly.

On a day of "luck & leprechauns", I am so lucky to have this little man in my life!

May you all be enjoying your day of "green"!

On Challenges, Rewards & Being Thankful

Let me just start this post by saying I'm not exactly sure what is bringing this on or where I'm heading...
(ok - maybe I'm pretty sure its my raging hormones these days)...

My last few weeks have been a roller-coaster of emotions.  There have been ups, downs, ins and outs.  I don't normally think of myself as this sort of person.  Yes. I am emotional. I wear my heart on my sleeve. I feel strongly...but I don't usually feel so completely all over the place emotionally...I usually feel pretty sure of where I'm at on any given day. 

This thorough range of ups and downs, ins and outs within a single day - that is something new.

I heard news today that rocked me to my very core. Let's just say it caused me to sit back and really, really think about my life.

I am so grateful for my life. I truly am. But - I admit (and it is kind of a hard thing for me to do) that life is not all roses, and I let that get to me far too often, in my opinion. Some of the truest blessings have also proven to be the hardest things in life. Love. Parenthood.

I guess as I am about to embark on yet another life-changing transition, I'd like to pride myself in saying I am confident I can handle anything.  I have proven that I'm a tough person, capable of surviving really hard circumstances in life. The truth of the matter is that I second guess my capability often (and lately several times a day).

Although I can get incredibly frustrated with my husband and feel really alone, I love him so very much.  It seems like just when I'm most ready to give in to the frustrations, some tiny, little thing happens to reassure me that he loves me too, and that we're in this for the long haul.

I would honestly say the single, most life-changing event in my life was to become a mom. It has been (and I know it will continue to be) both the most challenging thing and the most rewarding thing in the world. I'm getting a little glimpse into life with a strong-willed toddler and sometimes I wonder what in the world I've gotten myself into. I know there are many out there who are nodding your heads yes, and telling me it only gets harder.  I know there are also those who would say it only gets better.

I only know it will be different. Again. Change is good. Change is hard. I need to embrace that. I need to worry about it less and just live. Just be thankful. Just love. Just listen. Just strive to be as patient as possible...especially when I feel the least patient (hello, hormones!).

I'd like to thank my husband tonight, who even though got home incredibly late and must have been exhausted, took the time to ask me about my day and engage in ten minutes of adult conversation that I had been really, really missing. It made me feel so grounded on a day I really needed it. It made me realize why I married him, and why he is the father to my child (soon to be -ren). It made me remember our wedding, and brought back the excitement of the future and all it would bring.

Today was just a day. Today was a day that reminded me I'm only human.  Today was a day that had its frustrations.  Today was a day of sorrow and of joy. Today was built from yesterday. But today was a day that leads to tomorrow. For that, I am so thankful. I am so very, very thankful.

Thanks for bearing with me for this very personal post.  I hope it has given you pause to really think about your life. The challenges. The rewards. And without a doubt, most importantly, the "thankful".

This is me...

Since I took the plunge with maternity photos of pregnancy #1, I figured I had better do the same with this pregnancy (I haven't exactly been great at documenting what it is all about)...

So, this is me at 36ish weeks captured by the very talented Tatum (of Paper Moon Photography).

One of my favourite pics from the first time around is me sitting amongst the tall summer grass, and one of my favs from this session is me in the bare winter trees and snow.  I'm glad we ventured outside to capture the difference in season with this pregnancy, even though it was a bit cold.

Thanks so much, Tatum! Can't wait to see you again when the wee one enters this world!

Positive...

04.12.2011

I've been struggling a wee bit in the last few days to stay positive.  I'm letting myself get stressed out & letting the fact that I'm injured and uncomfortable get the best of me. Hrmph! I don't like that these emotions are conquering my spirit. Blame it on nothing else but my stubborn pride.

However, what I HAVE been absolutely cherishing for the last week is a fresh grapefruit straight from Texas every day. One small thing that brings a little sunshine to my day. So juicy, sweet & just plain delicious :) YUM!

What little thing is bringing positive vibes to your day?

Taking Time...

...to appreciate the beauty in the everyday.

03.07.2011

I was lucky enough to have my mom along on the drive to one of the many appointments that have smattered my calendar this past week. Chatting away about life matters, our conversation rolled around to how the little things in life seem to make the everyday. I am so much like her in so many ways...and I think that is a good thing (most of the time, at least) for I respect and love her so very much! I found it interesting that we both make an effort to "see" the little things and appreciate them as they happen to us or around us (although we both admit that some days that is an easier task than others).  Today's little thing was seeing the bright white snow, the sun shining & a pretty blue sky - such a pretty day for a drive!

I'm so glad I took the time to stop and appreciate this everyday winter beauty :)

What did you find beautiful today?

Nostalgia

Growing up I was "daddy's little girl"...I loved spending time with him & our animals on the farm, and would have much rather been outside with him than in the house. One of my favourite pictures from my childhood is me (around age 4) sitting on an upside down bucket watching cattle be processed.

As we have been totally "on the go" these last few days and will continue for a couple more yet (appointment for me in Estevan Friday, appointment for B & I both in Brandon on Saturday, appointment for B in Regina on Monday, appointment for me on Tuesday, appointment for me on Wednesday), I thoroughly enjoyed spending some down time on the farm this morning. It was so great to see my parents after their return from their months in Texas. They were excited to see B, and he was excited to see them.

When dad was suiting up to head out for the morning calving check, he asked if B wanted to go with him.  After an emphatic shake of the head "yes" he did, B was suited up & headed outside.

I caught this picture of the two of them from the kitchen window. Looking at it brings a tear to my eye as it brings on so much nostalgia, so many memories of my childhood, yet represents so much of what the future can hold.

My dad has such a tender side, and I love how this picture totally captures that - him patiently bending over and holding B's hand as they walk to see the calves that have escaped their normal enclosure. This moment = priceless. Oh, how I love these two!

This is me...

03.04.2011

This is me on my way to see the doctor who will deliver bambino #2.
Yikes. This is my belly...no wonder I'm starting to "waddle".

Cabin Fever

A combination of things has kept me from my almost daily walks as of late. Cold weather, little guy with asthma & pneumonia, busy schedule...just life, I guess.

Have to say I'm missing that little bit of physical activity and am looking SO, so forward to spring and warmer weather and more frequent walks.

I came across this picture of my friend's boys & B all bundled up & ready for a walk on a bright (but still chilly) January day in their chariots (one of the all time BEST purchases I've made)...

I have to say that I'm loving the fact that although I don't always have my camera with me, I usually have my cell phone and I'm using it a little bit to capture these everyday moments & memories.

Seeing these three little cuties all bundled up is giving me a bit of cabin fever and realizing I need to get out of the house!

Hello March!

Hello cold temps & howling winds - eek!
Hello little boy with high energy levels (welcome back!)
Hello normal routine (missed you)...
Hello sciatic nerve & pelvis pain & heartburn (feel free to take a hike at any point in the near future)...
Hello sunshine - so glad you are showing yourself (it kind of makes up for the cold weather).

Hello last chance at being a family of three.
Hello March - you promise to be busy!