Special Days

I have been feeling very emotional lately.
This is the end of my time with just me and Hayden.
I wanted to capture some moments of
me and my little boy.

Big Picture
gets ALL the credit for these wonderful photos.

5 on Friday!

Not sure what happened to Tuesday this week......it's Friday already!

1. We are on day 4 with NO NAP. Hayden is doing great. Mommy is exhausted. Hayden wasn't going to sleep until 10 o'clock with a 2 hour nap, but is now sound asleep at 8 o'clock with no nap. I feel horrible for saying I miss those 2 hours to myself. Now I need to come up with a lot more fun activities to keep Hayden occupied!!

2. I had to resort to wearing my husband's Winter coat yesterday. I look like nobody owns me.

3. On that note, what the heck am I going to wear to Ralph's Christmas party? I have to try and find something a little festive and flattering and.....dare I say.....sexy. Oh, the anxiety.

4. On Sunday, Hayden gets to go and meet Santa Claus. (It's Ralph's company kiddie Christmas party.) I'm really hoping that he warms up to him more this year. We've been trying to talk it up so that he's excited to tell Santa what he wants for Christmas. Last year, I had to sit on Santa's lap with Hayden. I don't think Santa will like that option this year.

5. Anyone have any cute/original names for a fuzzy little multi-colored girl kitty??

My dog thinks I'm fat.....

Apparently, Zeus feels that I should lay off
the pastries for the remainder
of my pregnancy.

There were 18 freshly baked, and iced, cupcakes
on the counter.
Hayden and I were going to decorate them.

Zeus had other plans.
He ate 12.

I'm definitely adding this incident to the list of
grievances I have with the dog.
But, maybe I should be thanking him.......
I probably would have eaten way too many anyways.

10 on Tuesday

1. I started Pre-natal yoga last Tuesday, and it was awesome! Our instructor was very interested in our aches and pains and helped us with our individual areas of concern. Some of the positions were a bit awkward, but I didn't embarrass myself, so was okay. It was pretty cool to be in a room full of other pregnant women, who are all different shapes and sizes. I came home, had a bath, and had the best night sleep! I didn't even wake up to pee!! I am REALLY looking forward to my Tuesday nights from now on.

2. Why, why, why is it so hard to find art?! Ralph and I have been looking and can't find what we are after. Any suggestions?

3. My sister and her boyfriend had a 3 1/2 hour layover in Calgary on their way home to Saskatoon from Vegas. I went to the airport for a little visit. Short but sweet. I almost fainted when I saw the total for parking was $29!! (My fault for parking in short-term) What's worse? It was at that moment I realized I didn't have my wallet!! Uh-oh, where is it?? How am I gonna get out of the parkade?? Thank goodness for cell phones. I had to phone Ralph for our Mastercard number so that I could bail myself out.

4. Pregnancy brain is a reality. I should wear my Pregnesia shirt daily.

5. I need Ralph to paint my toenails 'cause I can't bend properly, or comfortably enough, to do it myself. I asked him once. Still waiting.....

6. I committed another pregnancy faux-pas. I dyed my hair. I couldn't handle those little grays any longer.

7. Isn't it funny that kids can drive you absolutely bonkers one moment, and in the next breath, they say something so sweet that you feel crazy for thinking they were anything short of perfect?! That has happened a lot this week.

8. Hayden and I finally got library cards. Only $12. Since I have been zipping through books lately, and Hayden loves to read, I think this will fun for both of us....especially in the Winter months. One thing is for sure, the library has changed a lot since I was there last....which was probably University?@#! They have lots of activities for the kids, and you can sign out tons of books at one time. And the best part, you get to keep your selections for a whole month!!

9. I need to get the winter tires put on the Tribute before it snows. I have been saying this for 2 weeks now.....

10. We may be taking Hayden to see his first in theater movie today. Madagascar 2. Mommy gets popcorn for lunch, yum. Wish us luck!!

10 on Tuesday

1. Halloween is evil. Well.....just the candy. Poor Hayden has no idea how much of his hard-earned stash I have eaten. Between this and Mexico, uh-oh!

2. For some reason, I continue to let it bother me. I really try not to.....but it's hard. I really wish people would stop commenting on how BIG I am. What ever happened to being like Bambi? If you can't say something nice, keep your mouth shut!!

3. My unborn child is currently performing Riverdance in utero.

4. Why does every blueberry muffin I ever make turn out to be a weird blue/grey color. They taste delicious but they look sick. Don't say "coat the blueberries in flour," cause I've tried that.

5. I start my pre-natal yoga class tonight. I'm super excited....but always a bit nervous that I will do something to look like an ass in front of strangers. I somehow missed the 'chip' in my personality for 'not caring what other people think of me.'

6. I am trying to enjoy my pictures of Mexico as I scrapbook them. I am trying not to be bitter about the pictures that aren't there. I still have all of the memories......

7. There is nothing better than doing something simple for your child and because it makes him SO happy, the result is you getting teary-eyed.

8. My tan is fading and that makes me very sad. I do enjoy the peeling skin. I'm being serious.

9. Daylight savings time sucks when you have kids. I was so excited because Hayden was finally sleeping later, I think because it's darker in the morning, and getting up at 7:30/8:00. That has now turned into 6:30/7:00. Maybe he just needs a few more days to adjust.....

10. My husband cleaned the outside of our windows just in the nick of time. Better him on the ladder than me! Guess I should pull up my socks and clean the inside of the windows today........ while hoping that I don't see any snow flakes through those freshly cleaned windows!!

Belly Pics!!

I had the pleasure of spending the evening
with 2 brilliant photographers.
And friends.
That's right.....Nick & Keri Blakeney.
Big Picture Photography.

It was too hard to pick favorites.
So here they are......

They made me feel like a million dollars.
A supermodel mommy-to-be.

They are amazingly talented.
I'm forever grateful.

Thomas & Friends......Live!

My boss phoned me last night, and wondered if we
would like 3 free tickets to see
Thomas and Friends Live!
Easy answer considering how much Hayden
loves trains!!

How thoughtful.
(She doesn't read this blog so it's NOT brown-nosing!)

Hayden was so excited!!
He could hardly contain himself when he saw Thomas
for the first time.

He kept asking "who's next?"
I think he thought the whole gang would be there.

Hayden missed seeing James,
but we did see Thomas, Percy and Diesel.

It was an interactive show,
and Hayden loved being a very loud whistle.
He was continually yelling, "peep peep!!"
Sometimes on cue......sometimes not.
Either way, he had a ton of fun.

And we couldn't help but smile
because he was having such a great time.

"Trick or Treat!"

Happy Halloween 2008!

Hayden has been very excited about his
Halloween costume this year.
He would proudly announce to anyone who asked.....
"I'm gonna be a train-ductor!"

He made sure to thoroughly test out the whistle before
we went out trick-or-treating!

This is how Mommy was dressed.
(I did put on a googly-pumpkin headband....)

This is how Daddy was dressed.....

Initially, Hayden wasn't fond of Ralph
wearing this get-up.
Eventually though, he said to me,
"it's just a costume, Mommy."
Okay then.
I guess you're not scarred for life.

Hayden kept saying,
"I got lots of candy!"
"Get some more candy!"
Seriously.
He got hand fulls at some houses.


But, after an hour, he was tuckered out.
That's a lot of walking for little legs, and a workout
on the muscles to carry the loot!

I think he was the cutest train conductor.
And that sweet little face
will keep us in candy for weeks!
Damn.

8 Days in Mexico......on Tuesday!

October 19th-26th, 2008

Gran Bahia Principe, Tulum
Mexico

The main lobby of our resort

The main pool

Aaahhhhh......the beach!
We spent as much time here as possible,
though the weather wasn't perfect.
We had rain, at some time or another,
and in some quantity or another,
every day.
Still....30 degrees every day....can't complain!

We decided to make the best of our time and
plan some activities outside of the resort.
What fun would it be to just sit in the room?
We were in the Mayan Riviera for goodness sake.....how bad can it be?!


Day 2.
Aktun Chen
We saw some of the most amazing
underground caves and cenotes.
And lots of wild animals.

This little dude greeted us and
Hayden enjoyed feeding him bananas.

We were 15 feet underground looking up at the trees!!

We got some amazing pictures of the caves.
We had to trudge through water
because of all of the heavy rainfall, and poor Hayden
was up to his waist in some places!

You won't see those pictures, or any of the other
fabulous ones we had taken up to this point,
because we lost our camera.
* See Day 4. *

Day 4.
It started out like the rest.
Rainy.
We decided to go into Playa del Carmen for the morning.
We had a really nice morning, and when the sun came out after lunch,
we decided to go back and hit the beach.
I will go over the next hour in my head a million times.
Each time, I feel like throwing up.
Pure stupidity on our part.
Why we were so relaxed? I don't know.
Why wasn't I harping about the location of our belongings? I don't know.
Why didn't we double check our spot when getting off the bus??
We got off on the side of the highway.
We were so concerned about having a good hold on Hayden.
15 minutes later.....
I realized we didn't have the camera.
(Or the video camera that was in the same bag.)

Good luck trying to communicate the severity
of the situation to Mexican strangers.
Ralph and Eveline tried for hours to get it back.
Nothing.
Ralph offered a reward.
Nothing.

I don't even care about the camera.
It's the photos.
The beautiful family pictures we had taken at the beach.
Our amazing Mexican dinner.
The caves.
Hayden in the pool with his first pair of water wings.
Us building sandcastles.
Nauseating.

*~*~*The rest of our photos are courtesy of the Kodak Fun Saver*~*~*

Day 5.
The Mayan Ruins at Tulum.

It felt like about 800 degrees.
600% humidity.

The views were breathtaking.

And we were sweaty.

Hayden was on Iguana patrol the entire vacation.
We saw every shape, size and color.

Wouldn't want to meet this gang
in a dark forest!

Days 6, 7 and 8.
Soaking up the intermittent sun!

Ralph decided he wanted to be buried in the sand.
So, he dug himself a nice big hole.....

we helped cover him up.....

...and Hayden tended to the property around his daddy's head.
He even fed him lunch!!

Hayden's favorite pastime was walking the stones
around the pool.
We all had to take turns.
Many times.

How did a whale get into the pool??

Hayden loved the water and the independence
of floating around on his own.
I was so proud of him for being such a big boy.

What a nice way to cool off!

Friday night we stayed out after dinner to see the
Michael Jackson tribute show.
It was awesome.
Hayden was tuckered out
and slept right through the entertainment!

Bathing beauties

Hayden's turn to be buried.....
up to his waist!
We had a busy last day on the beach collecting
seashells, building sandcastles and
enjoying the sunshine.

Our last photo-op on the beach.

We had a great time......
and still managed to pull off pretty good tans!!

Tanning beds are hazzardous to your health!

I know, I know.....what AM I doing tanning, right?!
I had my reservations about tanning pregnant,
but after careful research,
it's not that big of a deal, and I'm only doing 4 sessions.
My giant white belly, which has not seen the light of day,
doesn't want to get crispy while in Mexico.
But that's not the point.

Ralph tans at 4:45 and Hayden and I meet him at 5:00 for my turn.
We kid/car swap and I meet the boys at home.....
.....after a lovely 12 minute siesta.

Yesterday, we had a glitch.

I was getting undressed, and from my room I can hear
Hayden sobbing and crying, "mommy!"
I was thinking he just didn't want to leave me behind.
Wrong.
The tanning lady shouts, "Hayden got a boo-boo."
Huh??
They left 2 minutes ago.

I got re-dressed and walked back into the waiting room.
What do I see?
BLOOD!!
Ralph is holding paper towel on Hayden's head.
All that registers is that I can see blood coming out of my son's head!!
There's blood on his hands.
There is a HOLE in his forehead!!
Omigod, he needs stitches.

Here's the story....
Ralph and Hayden (car in each hand) were walking to the car
and Hayden tripped.
Instead of breaking his fall, Hayden refused to let go of his cars,
and his sweet little head broke his fall.
On a rock.

I'm not sure I want to get used to the blood and scrapes
that come with having a boy!

Mommy's job is to overreact.
Daddy's job is to say,
"ahh, it's no big deal."
"You don't want to sit at the hospital for 3 hours."
"Do you know how many injuries I have survived?!"

So I have that to look forward too.

10 on Tuesday

1. Mmmmmm.......Thanksgiving. My sister-in-law, Tessa, made a delicious turkey this year. I don't get turkey that often because my husband and father-in-law do not enjoy it. I left with a baggie full of turkey for sandwiches, and some turkey soup too. I'm spoiled. And happy I was wearing maternity pants for such an occasion! Everyone should get a pair! We stayed up way too late playing cards, but we had a great time.

2. I am grateful that Hayden slept until 7:30 and 8:00 AM on Sunday and Monday morning. Gotta love it when we don't have to wake up to an annoying alarm. Just my sweet son, nose against mine saying, "morning mommy."

3. Unfortunately, we woke up Monday morning to a house full of doggy poop. Poor Zeus is not having a good go. Medical issues keep popping up, he's getting old, and I think this was our breaking point. After much discussion, and some tears, we mentally prepared ourselves to say goodbye to Zeus on Tuesday morning. We solemnly traveled to the vet first thing in the morning........to find out he simply has a case of "beaver-fever." In my husbands words...... "looks like Zeus dodged another bullet!" What an emotional roller coaster.

4. Is it a new trend to buy a car in which you drive on the right hand side?

5. I am fearing my Dr.'s appointment tomorrow. I think I might be in for "the talk" about weight gain. I personally think I just make big babies.

6. We are having a helluva time agreeing on a boys name! If this baby is a girl, we have been set on the name for years. Not an issue. If this baby is a boy........help! We have a few choices, but if anyone has any cool names that aren't "saved" for future children, please let me know!

7. I found out that Shoppers may be open on CHRISTMAS DAY!! This is absolutely ridiculous and I am so angry about it! Is nothing sacred?? And I am a bit afraid that I will get scheduled 'cause I'm a little part-timer....with a husband and child and family.... just like everyone else!! I am so filled with rage about this. Can you imagine? Me working until midnight on Christmas day?? Ain't gonna' happen folks. I may have to take early maternity leave.....

8. Little boys jeans should come with reinforced knees. Hayden is about to bust through 2 more pairs!! I refuse to put patches on them, so don't even say it.

9. It is unexplainable how wonderful it is to have such talented photographers as friends.
Here is a teaser of one of the shots of me and baby #2:


10. I am still frantically packing for Mexico. We leave on Sunday at 8 AM.......Woo-hoo!!

10 on Tuesday!

1. I am SO tired. Hayden has been getting up with Ralph.....by 6:30 AM..... for the last few weeks. I am trying not to be cranky about it. Really I am. He's so sweet and in such a good mood when he wakes up. He's rearing to go!! Unlike his mother. I can't take away his nap in the afternoon 'cause he's a grumpy-bear if I do. If I wake him up before the 2 hour nap is done, he's growly. We've tried putting him to bed later, but he's way too smart for us. He still gets up early. Suggestions??

2. Hayden is going through another growth spurt. He needs an entirely new Fall wardrobe. Flood pants and crop tops are NOT in fashion for little boys.

3. Growing out my hair still sucks. Having a little trim tomorrow to take out some of the bulk. I should look less like a giant mushroom.

4. SO EXCITED about tomorrow night. I'm having some belly pictures taken by the Blakeneys (of course!) I'm hoping this session will connect me with my sexy-mama side and help me feel less like a hippopotamus.

5. On that note....I'm over half way to meeting our beautiful new baby!! Soon, it won't just be Hayden and I during the day. A whole new world of parenting is waiting for me.....

6. I am having way more aches and pains with this pregnancy. I feel like my pelvis is splitting! I'm trying not to complain about it. I know it's just one of those things I have to go through. I also can't do a flight of stairs without sucking wind. Eek. And I'm supposed to shave where before I go to Mexico?@#! Uh-oh. Thankfully, no swollen ankles.....yet.

7. Had my first filling yesterday. I have never experienced the weirdness of being numb on half of my face.....bizarre. I must admit, it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. I think the giant pokey needle was the worst part. 3 hours later, when the freezing was coming out, I felt pretty nauseous. A little nap cured that......and the piece of apple pie I ate when I got up helped too!

8. We FINALLY have a Halloween costume that Hayden will actually try/keep on. Let's hope this enthusiasm for dressing up continues until Halloween night......he'll look pretty darn cute!

9. The power was out for a couple of hours today. Does it drive anyone else crazy when it is that quiet?! I could hear the fish swimming. I need SOME noise or I go mad!! I also continue to flip light switches even though I KNOW they won't work?! I managed to sit in peace and read a couple of chapters of my book before the computer came back on.......

10. Joshua Radin ROCKS my world!! He's playing on iTunes right now. I love electricity.

.....Hayden McQueen?

Hayden LOVES cars.
We have been feeding his obsession
and have collected most of the car characters from
the Disney movie Cars.
Ralph has been buying them on eBay.
I have been scoping out Wal Marts across Calgary.
Grandma and Grandpa have the market covered
in Saskatoon.

Countless hours of the day are spent lining them up,
driving them off the edge of the coffee table,
naming each and every one,
and choosing his favorites.

He takes some to bed at night.
Others go on car rides.
Chosen few make a trip to the park.
Some go to the grocery store.

We were trying to remember who bought the first car
that started this craziness.
It was our realtor.
At the time, we thought it was such a kind gesture.
Thanks a lot Jeff.

I can tell you one thing......
the Cars DVD is coming on the plane ride to Mexico.
He actually watches the WHOLE movie!

Now, he runs around the house saying "I'm faster than fast......
I'm Hayden McQueen!"

We've created a monster.