10 on Tuesday....on Wednesday!?

1. My father in law officially celebrated his 60th Birthday on Monday.....Happy Birthday Paps!!
We helped him celebrate on Sunday by going for brunch at the Naturbahn Teahouse, and then surprised him with a 120km/hr bobsled ride!! Stay tuned for photos and an awesome video.....

2. Hayden gets up about 6:30 am these days (with or without a nap - I've tried both) so I'm feeling pretty tired!! Maybe he is preparing me for the sleep deprivation that a new baby will bring??

3. I had to run into work yesterday. My boss made a point of saying, "how are you? You look really tired." Thanks. If that's what she says to my face, she totally calls me fat behind my back. I know it.

4. Another Dr. appointment yesterday. I'm 37 1/2 weeks and measuring 39 weeks. The baby is head down, baby's heart rate is good and my blood pressure is good. Hayden got to help listen to the baby's heartbeat and he was so cute. He was standing on the little stool next to me, leaned over and gave me a kiss, and kept his eye on the nurse who was poking at his mommy's belly to make sure she was doing everything right!

5. My fabulous husband took my car to have it washed today. I was willing to do it in the hopes that it would bring on labor.....but lets get serious....I'm so happy he is doing it instead!

6. I know Hayden hears us when we discipline him because he turns around and disciplines his cars. If you listen closely, it sounds a lot like my words coming out of his little mouth! Yesterday he told McQueen that he was "not impressed" and that he should "sit for 5 minutes" until there was "no crying and no whining." I'm not sure if Hayden is mocking me, or taking my words to heart.

7. Potty training continues to go very well. Now, Hayden insists upon "cleaning" up after himself and pouring his "business" into the toilet. He thinks he's being careful, but my floors would suggest otherwise. Maybe I should just let him try to pee standing up if it's going to be everywhere anyway.

8. Ralph is putting in the doors and painting the basement this weekend. He's so ambitious.... and determined to get everything done before the baby arrives. I love his drive....but I seriously HATE the drywall dust throughout the whole house. I'm not dusting until he's done.

9. My walk through pantry may soon have to have child locks on the doors. Hayden thinks he should help himself to any number of snacks at any time of the day. Licorice at 10am.....sure. Animal crackers just before supper......no big deal. Once again, I feel like all I say is "NO!"

10. As I type this, it is WAY too quiet in the basement. I almost made it......please stand by.....

OMIGOD!! What is the fascination with kitty litter?@#! Hayden has flung kitty litter/poop all over the basement!! This is his second offense! What do I need to do......install an indoor sandbox for Hayden?? That wouldn't be disastrous at all. Good grief, it's in his hair. And on his hands. Gag. The new disciplinary word of the day......"not appropriate!"

I'm SO coming back as a cat......

....because this is the life!

Gia still gets into trouble on an hourly basis,
but she has such a sweet face
that you can't really get mad at her.

She won't be a kitty forever!

PJ's & Puzzles!

Hayden LOVES to do puzzles.
He is almost always good at being patient
enough to finish each one so that they turn out
just like the picture.
He loves them so much that after he completes one,
he takes it apart, and does it again!!

Look at the concentration!

He's always so proud when he's finished.

He has been getting so quick at the 8, 16 and 24 piece puzzle
(especially after he has done them once or twice)
that we thought we would try a couple
of larger ones....42 pieces.....

....no problem!
They required more patience, and he needed a little
bit of help, but only the first time!!

Mixing it up a little.....

If I can't find a moment to Blog now, how is it going to be possible when I have 2 kids??
Tuesday came and left. So did Thursday. 5 on Friday wasn't quite enough......so I thought of 8!!

1. Front load washing machines are AWESOME!! Long story short, Frigidaire cam through with a credit for our "piece of crap" washer, and we picked out a beautiful new Maytag washer and dryer. I'm now happy with Coast Appliances again. Laundry isn't what I would call fun....but it sure is fun having a new toy, and they sure are pretty! And I'm saving energy!!

2. Potty training continues to go awesome. Now the challenge is to transfer Hayden to the toilet. I'm not going to push it because things are going really well.....but cleaning little boy poop out of a potty is not much fun!

3. Only one more potty story, I swear. I was a very proud mama yesterday. Hayden and I were driving home (he spent the lunch hour with Daddy while I was at the doctor) and he announced from the backseat that he needed to pee. Okay. This is new territory. I pulled into the parking lot at Brentwood London Drugs and he says, "no mommy, I don't have to pee." Hmmmm. Now what. "Are you sure?" I asked. "I'm sure," he responded. On the road again. We didn't even make it to Dalhousie and he was dancing around in his car seat. Emergency pit stop at Chapters. Parking was a challenge, just my luck. But he held it! We finally got to the washroom and he did a huge pee and a poop! What a kid. That deserved a new Thomas book for sure!! I had $5 in my wallet to buy a coffee, but Hayden deserved a reward more than me!!

4. What is with my hormones and their cruel jokes? The hair on my legs has decreased since becoming pregnant......yay! But, like some twisted trade-off, I now have tons of little black hairs coming out of my chin?@#! I'd rather shave my legs than look like my husband, thanks!

5. Is it wrong that I feel like I could go to bed at 9 o'clock every night lately?! And I'm still tired in the morning!

6. I think Hayden is having another growth spurt. All day I hear the words, "mommy, I'm hungry." He eats like a teenager in the morning....cheerios, milk, toast, minigo and some fruit. Within a couple of hours he wants a snack. Then he needs another snack. Then its lunch time when he'll devour a whole sandwich or a big bowl of macaroni. After his nap, we start all over again and continue until supper time!

7. I am convinced, as I have been all along, that I am having another little boy. I love the thought. I even had a dream it will be a boy. "Scientifically" speaking, the baby's heart rate has stayed well below 150 every time.....it was 135 on Wednesday. Even the nurse said she would bet it's a boy. And the way this child kicks.....soccer for sure!!

8. Why is it that my "new arrival" ticker doesn't seem to be counting down the days fast enough? Twenty some days to go? I'll never make it. I'm thinking 2 more weeks.....

10 on Tuesday

1. First and foremost, I am SO PROUD of my son! Hayden has been potty trained for over a week now.....and there have been no accidents!! (well, he had a little pee accident while he was in a time out, but I'm not counting that one.) Now, he even pulls down his pants and goes on his own!! There have been no accidents while we are out shopping either. We were out for about 4 hours yesterday, and he was perfect. I'm so impressed.

2. The baby room is almost ready! I have a few finishing touches to complete, but it looks very cozy and ready for the new baby. My handy husband, who knows I have been very anxious to get the room completed, hung up all of the wall decor last night. Now I have to hem the curtains and actually hang them in the window!! I promise, pictures will be soon.....

3. I have been without a washing machine for almost a week now. I am so beyond angry with the service at Coast Appliances, I could scream. Don't they understand how much dirty laundry a 2 1/2 year old generates? Or a very pregnant woman whose belly is a giant target? I actually made Ralph phone them yesterday 'cause I'm getting NOWHERE fast.

4. I am grateful to be a home-body. I think that is why Hayden and I are not sick. Yes, I'm touching wood as I type. I just feel awful for everyone is sick around us.

5. I am trying really hard not to complain about the discomforts of my pregnancy this past few weeks. Compression tights SUCK. They are itchy as sin, though they do seem to help the swollen bits. My hands are now starting to get swollen. I can't sleep. And neither can Ralph because I am a snore monster when I am pregnant. I wake up super thirsty, and I am thirsty all day. I have the waddle. My nose is getting larger every day and I AM SO READY TO HAVE THIS BABY!!

6. I think I have a cavity. I never got cavities before I had children?@#!

7. I have been a scrap-booking machine this week. I feel such a sense of accomplishment. I should probably be focusing more on napping while Hayden naps, but it's not as much fun.

8. I am trying to find a website with funky/unique/cool baby announcements. This is difficult when everything is pink and blue and frilly and cartooney. Not my taste. Any suggestions??

9. Is it strange that I feel like I should do my hair and makeup EVERY DAY just in case I go into labor? I am not the only one who has had these thoughts.....am I? I am getting a pedicure next weekend and I can't wait!! At least my toes will be polished and pretty.....

10. Has anyone else "caved" and broken their New Year's Resolutions already? I totally have. I have no will power. I guess that's why I don't usually bother with them.

Randomness

I have so many "odds and ends" photos
that don't go together in any way, shape or form.
But I like them.

Hayden's professional photo from
the SNC Lavalin kids Christmas party.
So serious.

Ralph and I preparing dinner for our
Sinterklaas celebration.
(You can check out Tessa's blog for all of the photos.)

Brody and Hayden had movie night in their
matching Christmas jammies.

Auntie Kara loves her snuggle time
with little Sienna.

Hayden enjoyed a bath in the big tub.....
with Daddy this time!

Yes, Batman is developing our basement.
Check out his footwear?#@!

My New Year's resolution.....
use more eye cream!

An "overnight" success!

Can a 2 1/2 year old have an epiphany?

Our life changed overnight.
Hayden woke up Saturday morning
and decided to be potty trained!
Hallelujah!!

He has been peeing on the potty before his bath
every night since he turned 2 in April.
But, no matter what the bribe,
he has never really been interested in
staying clean or dry.

I have been told by a million moms
that kids will let you know when they are ready.
Wow. It's true.
We had just decided to give it a rest because
we were all getting a bit frustrated.
And tah-dah!!
No accidents for 5 days!!
(He has even peed and pooped in public bathrooms while we are out!)
He is excited and genuinely proud
to be in the "big boy" club.
It's so cute.

Even cuter is the fact he gets mad at me if I ask him
one too many times if he has to pee.
"No mommy, I will tell you!"

My little boy is growing up.

Merry Christmas 2008!

There is nothing quite like experiencing

Christmas through a child.
I remember what it was like to be that excited.
And Hayden was no exception.
We put out milk and cookies for Santa. And carrots for the reindeer.
As he went to bed he was chatting about how
Santa would come down the chimney and leave
all the presents he had asked for.
And Santa delivered.
Big time.

Our morning started at 6:45.
I think this is total payback for all of the years
I didn't sleep in as a child.
We came downstairs to find the cookies had been eaten,
and the stockings were filled!

Hayden caught on pretty quickly, and
discovered tearing into presents to reveal the toys
on his wish list was great fun.
Clothes didn't get quite the same reaction.
Let's get serious. They're more for mommy anyway!

He insisted that we set up every, single toy
before we move on to the next one.
At least he was appreciating everything!

I think we own shares in Disney Cars by now!!

Next, we were off to Oma & Opa's house
for Christmas.... phase two!
Trying to get Hayden ready was a bit of a challenge.
"I want to play, Mommy" was his response to our pleas
for him to cooperate.
I couldn't blame him.
We just lured him with the fact there would be more
gifts at our next location.

While the kids had marathon naps (of almost 3 hours)

the adults opened their gifts for each other.
And ate snacks.
And drank delicious egg nog.

The highlights:

Paps and his autographed Cruijff jersey.

The i-Pod i-Trip gang.

Mams and her new shower cap.

Christmas jammies!

Seinfeld Scene it?!

The day was topped off with a delicious fondue for dinner!

The happy hosts.

Fat-head, Hayden and Ralph.
The ONLY picture of the three of us. Sigh.

the Gales.

My husband.
The only one who can look hot in a paper hat.
And full beard.

And the boys even "helped" Oma with dessert!!

10 on Tuesday

1. Don't you find that there is a very fine line between staying inside and having cabin fever or going out in the blistering cold to battle the traffic and the horrible roads? Despite the wretched weather, I have ventured out every day.....I must be crazy.

2. I am officially like a standard shipping date.....6-8 weeks for delivery!!

3. I, and I have come to find out that a few other people, think that I will deliver early. I kinda' hope so. The anticipation is killing me. I still think it's a boy. "He" sure kicks like a future soccer player!

4. My handy husband is madly trying to get the basement developed. Especially the spare bedroom. He is a machine. And lets be honest, he loves to be busy with a project involving manual labor.

5. I am having anxiety about the fact the baby room is not done. I have no diapers. No sheets. No crib mattress. No clean receiving blankets and sleepers. I don't even have a little bag packed for the hospital! I'm pretty sure I was done all of the above long before Hayden arrived. Now that I am not working, I need to get my arse in gear! It's not like me to be so far behind and so ill-prepared. I think I'm starting to break out in hives as I type this.

6. I have moved yet another pair of ill-fitting pants to the back of the closet. The wardrobe is rapidly dwindling. There are very few shirts left that don't show off my belly.

7. I love getting mail this time of year. I love seeing everyone's family pictures, and reading their annual letters. For next year, I need to figure out a crafty and effective way to display all of the beautiful cards and photos......

8. I have decided that I should set up a booth at the mall next year to gift wrap other people's presents. I'll totally donate the proceeds, I just want to wrap, man! I didn't help as many people as I wanted to this year.....sigh.

9. Everyone has permission to eat an extra helping of turkey and stuffing for me. I won't be having turkey this year, but I'm sure going to miss it! Oh, what the hell......have a piece of pumpkin pie and a rum and egg nog for me too!!

10. MERRY CHRISTMAS, EVERYONE! I hope you have a wonderful holiday with your family and friends, and that 2009 brings every happiness to you and yours! XO

Hayden & Gia

"I just love him" or "I just love it"
are two of Hayden's favorite phrases.
They can apply to almost anything.

Stickers, cars, cookies or toys.

Or cats.
He's really loving Miss Gia.

I hope he doesn't ask to carry the new baby this way!

I just couldn't wait to show these off......

The amazing Blakeney's were at it again...and they NEVER cease to amaze me!!

Hayden looks like he came right out of a Gap ad!!
And where did my baby go? He looks like such a little man.
Zoolander, eat your heart out....my kid can pose!!

Hayden lifts my shirt up all the time, kisses my belly,
and says "there's a baby in there!"
What a good big brother.

Don't worry Grandparents......Santa may arrange a

special picture delivery for you....
if you're good!!

10 on Tuesday

1. Mom and Dad were here last week for 4 days. It's always nice to have them here, but the visit always seems too short. They have to be in Saskatoon for Christmas with my Grandma because she isn't able to travel. I will miss them over the holidays, but we need to take turns with both families, right?! I have always wished that we could have a really big Christmas with everyone together, but that's a hard thing to accomplish.

2. We went to Zoolights on Thursday night..... and it's a good thing we did 'cause it sure got cold on Friday!! It was a really nice night. Did I forget the camera....of course I did. I didn't take one photo the whole time Mom and Dad were here. I've turned into a camera snob and I would rather not use my point and shoot when I should be using my Nikon.

3. Christmas baking? I think I should just skip it. If I bake it, I will eat it. Well, maybe just some Ginger Sparkles....and some shortbread.....

4. Hayden sings his very own renditions of "Frosty the Snowman" and "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer." Classics in the making.

5. I had my annual Christmas get-to-gether with some old friends I worked with in cosmetics at Sears. We had a fabulous time and talked the night away, as always. We all left wondering; how is it possible that we only manage to do this once a year?! It needs to be a semi-annual event at the very least.

6. Love the new kitty. I love her energy, her playfulness, and the fact she loves to snuggle. I HATE the fact she is having potty issues and is peeing in the corner of our living room. Grrrrrr, Miss Gia, grrrrrr.

7. I'm almost done the Christmas shopping. My husband is the last one on my list this year. Which is so unusual because I'm usually done for him first!

8. Anyone else in need of my wrapping services?? I'm offering to be your personal elf. I'm free most evenings and there are many spots still available. Please. I'm all out of my own wrapping. I fear I may start wrapping empty boxes.

9. I put the jersey cotton sheets on the bed last night. Oohhhhh, so cozy!

10. I may be done work as early as Saturday. I have to take medical leave before my maternity leave starts. The baby and I are fine, but I am supposed to stay off my feet as much as I can. Tell me how that's possible when I have a very busy 2 1/2 year old at home?? Lots of television, I think.

31 on Tuesday....for Zeus

Slaap lekker, Zeusje

May 22, 2000 - December 6, 2008

Zeus was such a big presence in our lives.

The house seems so quiet without him.

I believe he is in a better place.
Where he doesn't have to take medication.
Where he can run for hours and never get tired.
Where he is happy and comfortable
and has all the big sticks he can find.....

He and Ralph will meet again.
They had a bond unlike anything I have seen.

that's weird....

Literally, from one day to the next,
my son has
metamorpasized.

From a crust-eater to a
non-crust eater.

Hmph.
That's super strange.
Maybe he's protesting because we ran out of
our special Saskatchewan honey.

Grandma and Grandpa will be here next week.
Maybe he'll revert back to being a
good little crust-eater?!