Road Trip

On Saturday (after the swimming disaster), we took a little road trip North to Red Deer. I remember when I packed NOTHING for a road trip. Seriously. My purse. That was it. Maybe my sunglasses if I remembered. Now, it took me like all week to mentally plan things out, how our schedule would go and what I would need to remember to bring.

Anyways, it was hugely successful. We haven't made a lot of trips with Sam on the road due to her being a higher needs baby and not so great left to her own devices for longer periods of time. But this was GREAT. She slept for a bit on the way and the remainder of the time, she was fascinated with a blanket Amanda made her. We met up with my Grandpa, Aunty Denise, Uncle Ray, Aunty Lorna and cousin Jennifer at the Lodge where Grandpa lives. We had a lovely visit and Sam didn't even get fussy even though she was due for a nap. Then off we went to a Christmas party/baby shower for Samara with all the girls from my high school cheerleading squad. Yes, I was a cheerleader. Moving along...she had a great time there too. All in all, she was up for SIX hours without a nap. Unheard of. It was AWESOME. She slept for a bit on the way home and then cried for a bit because she was so tired and just wanted her bed. We skipped the bedtime routine and she still had a regular sleep, 12 hours or so, up once for a feed. This went so well that I'm not as nervous about heading home for the holidays. It'll be fantastic!

Swimming Take 2

Yesterday was Shawn and Samara's 2nd swimming lesson. To recap, the first lesson was a crap sandwich...crap experience in the change room before followed by a fun swimming lesson followed by a crap experience in the change room afterwards. This week was going to change in that I would change Sam before and after so she didn't get fussy being put down. Excellent idea in theory.

I got Sam changed and ready to go with minimal fussing. I handed her off to Shawn and took off for the library which is next door. I picked out new books and wandered back over to the swimming pool and went upstairs to the viewing room. I sit down and look WAY over at the group. The viewing room is at the complete other end of the pool so I'm squinting trying to see them. I think I see a couple of babies that could be Sam's size but the parent is either female or a rather large, hairy male. I look on the pool deck and can't see them either. Hmm. I must just be missing them. I look over every single person and still nothing. At this point I think something has gone wrong so I go downstairs to see what I can find out. I wasn't too worried...thinking most likely a nasty poop-explosion. I see Shawn and a very cried out Sam wrapped up in a big towel in the lobby. Shawn just says to me, "complete disaster". As soon as I had passed her off, she started getting fussy and then when they got into the water, she had a complete meltdown. Shawn tried to calm her down but things only intensified and it wasn't long before everyone in the pool was staring at them. Shawn aborted swimming lesson #2 and got the heck out of there. She screamed the entire time he got changed and only stopped about a minute before I met up with them. Then I got to take her back to the change room to get her out of her wet bathing suit. It was so NOT a fun way to start off our Saturday.

Next Saturday will be our 3rd attempt. If we should fail at creating a FUN swimming experience for Samshine, we will become swimming lesson dropouts. And try again when she's older.

30 weeks

This was a rough week. So glad it's almost over. Here's hoping next week is a whole lot better. I'd even settle for a tiny bit better!

I must be crazy...

Seriously. I must be. Because I agreed to babysit my friend's 6 month old this afternoon. So I will have TWO BABIES. AT ONCE. YIKES!!!! I may be delusional but I think it will go okay because while Samara is majorly high needs, demands all of my attention all the time, don't even think of doing anything else, the other baby girl is the opposite. In fact, when her mom came over the other day to visit, she brought her knitting so she would have something to do. I'm sorry, what? DOES. NOT. COMPUTE. Her little darling plays so well on her own that she gets to do a hobby at the same time. Ahhhhh...sooooo jealous!!!!

H1N1 Part Deux

Today I took Samara to get her H1N1 vaccine booster. She had already gotten the first part on November 5th so was due for the next and final round starting today. Now that the regular public is allowed, I got mine too. It actually hurt a bit, I was surprised! I understand how Sam feels when she screams!

People get so weird when it comes to lineups though...there were about 20 people in line when we got there but it was going super fast (in fact, including the 15 minute required wait afterwards, we were in and out in 20 minutes). The lady behind me decided she would like to be my shadow because she stood so frigging close to me. I looked back at her so that maybe she could tell that she was invading my personal space. Nope, no clue! We keep moving and when we stop, she might as well be my clothing, she's that close. At this point, Sam starts fussing a bit, so I go around to her (she's in the stroller) and give her a toy and then go back to stand at the stroller so I can push it. Except I can't because my pushy line friend has taken that place. So I pull the stroller to me and tell her, "you know, you won't get through the line any faster by standing so close to me". "What?" As she says what, she gets right in my face...clearly this lady has NO concept of personal space AT ALL. I repeat it and she gives me a dumbfounded look and stutters..."but...but...um...other people are standing close to me...my...my...husband is meeting me here..." Okay...good for you? DUH! Anyways, she kept a polite distance afterwards. Sometimes it pays to say something!

Even with the annoying lady, this experience was a trillion times better than the first round. The clinic we went to was very organized, people were helpful and efficient. I'm glad we're done with that! Now we just need part 2 of Sam's flu shot which she'll get in December.

REWARD OFFERED!!!

MISSING: 1 adorable and happy 6.5 month old baby girl...who is NOT fussy, does NOT cry all the time and generally is a joy to be around. She has been missing for a few days now. I thought she was back yesterday but I WAS WRONG. She has been replaced by an unhappy baby who cries for no apparent reason, who does not want to eat solids, play with her toys or be consoled by her mommy.

If found, please return to one tired and annoyed mom.

Consequently, my sanity is also missing. I think that one's gone for good though.

Count your blessings...

The last couple of days I've been in a funk. Sam has been super cranky and impossible to please. I don't know what her deal is but I've caught myself wishing she were an easier baby and not so high needs and dependent. Then an overwhelming surge of guilt hits me and I can't believe I can wish she were different. It's absolutely exhausting trying to fill every waking moment with something new and exciting and still get the house in order, keep my sanity and hold her every second. This morning I was reading some blogs online and came across this one:

http://www.hope4peyton.org/

This poor family has been through so much. Their daughter had cancer (but is now in remission, thankfully) and just recently the mom has suffered 2 massive strokes and is on life support. I am so unbelievably sad for this family and all they are going through. I can't imagine the fear they are living with. That being said, I'm very glad I came across that site because it is the kick in the ass I needed to appreciate my life, my baby and my family. It is getting me out of my funk because things are pretty frigging fantastic in my life and I need to be grateful. And I am. I just forgot for a couple of days.

Much love to you all.
XOXO

Swimming Sammy!

Samara went for her first swimming lesson today. While she liked the swimming part, she did not like the change room AT ALL. Shawn took her in with him to get ready and I waited on the other side so I could grab a couple of pics. And I heard her from out there! We've decided that her swimming experience is a 2 person job...Shawn will handle the swimming part (I still have ZERO desire to be in a bathing suit after being pregnant...not to mention walking on the pool deck in bare feet...*shudder*)..anyways, what was I saying?! Oh right, Shawn will handle the swimming lesson and while he is getting changed himself, I will get Samara ready and pass her off before the lesson and then gather her after and get her back in her clothes while he gets dressed. This goes for 6 weeks...Sam was in awe of all the people and the swimming pool so I think it's great for her to be exposed to new experiences and different things...and since she's not walking, no foot fungus from the pool deck! Always a good thing!


Also, I must take this opportunity to comment on the fact that I have one FINE looking husband. Check out those pecs!!! While I was busy eating my way to gaining 50 pounds while pregnant (for the record, I lost it all), he was getting in the best shape of his life. Go Shawn!

Jamie and Samara

Angela and Jamie came over on Thursday. After both kids nicely took long naps to let Angela and I visit, we put them on the floor so that Jamie could teach Samara how to crawl. He's been crawling now for a week and a half! Well, Jamie started crawling over to Sam...paused and looked at her and then before we even knew what was happening, lunged over and planted a big wet one on Sam's cheek! Unfortunately because it happened so fast, we weren't able to get a picture. Here's the 2 cuties playing though...

29 weeks

We're having a lot more luck with solids. Yams are going good, she seems to like them. I even tried green beans again tonight...she shuddered quite a bit but still opened her mouth for them.

Mommy Brain

I just made some cookies. 2 trays of them. I took the first one out to cool on the top of the oven and put the 2nd one in. Then when it came time to take the second one out, I put on one oven mitt and proceeded to grab the tray with my other hand...you know, the one WITHOUT the oven mitt on. Son a $%* does it ever hurt. Probably more than my pride.

6 month photo shoot with Sonya

After the initial pics that Sonya randomly took when she came to visit turned out so well, I asked her to come back the following week for Sam's 6 month birthday and take some pics. I made the tutu for her and thought it would look fabulous in a few pics. And, as usual, I WAS RIGHT!! HA!

Combat Crawling

Samara has mastered combat crawling...not quite real crawling. She drags herself around by her arms. I think if we had carpet anywhere in the house for her to be on, she would be crawling...but the hardwood is just so darn slippery! After seeing her speed, I made a quick trip to Wal Mart today to get baby proofing items. Shawn is going to install the baby gate when he gets home from work.

Jolly not so Jumper

Swing!

Today, it was SO nice out...I think it got to +15 even so Sam and I went for a walk at Confederation Park. We walked near the swings and I looked at the seat and wondered if Sam was big enough for it. So we tried it out. She's not really big enough for it but it kind of works if I don't push her too much. She LOVED it. Big smiles and laughing the whole time. I got bored of it before her, that's for sure!

On The Move!

Nope, she's not crawling...yet. But she's getting oh so close. Yesterday and today, she's been getting her belly up, moving one leg forward and then dragging herself with her arms. She's getting the hang of moving. I think if we had carpet anywhere in the house, she would catch on even quicker but the hardwood is just too slippery to get a good grip. The cats have been enjoying toying with her...walking up to her just close enough so that they are out of reach. Charlie and Robbie...YOUR DAYS ARE NUMBERED!

FOOD!

We are still having a tough time getting Samara to eat...but I've figured out that it's not that she doesn't like the food...it's that she's not hungry. We were told by the Public Health Nurse and our Family Doctor to offer solids after breastfeeding. The problem seems to be that Samara is full after breastfeeding. So I have given up trying to feed her directly after a nursing session. We do feed her supper at 6pm after a nap and she has been gobbling up the oat cereal like there's no tomorrow. So of course I had to mess with a good thing. Tonight I tried feeding her green beans and she DID NOT LIKE. She gagged, gave me many dirty looks and spit it all up. Then, she wouldn't eat the cereal either in case I was tricking her into trying the beans again. Moms that are reading this, what do/did you do when offering new foods? Do you try it first at the beginning of a meal? Or later on when your little one is almost full? I don't want Sam to miss out on an entire meal because she didn't like what I offered first...so I'm kind of thinking of going with something I know she likes...cereal, then when I think she's getting close to full, trying the new food? I'd appreciate some feedback!

Here's some pics of the other night when she just couldn't get enough cereal!

28 weeks

We are starting to see better nights again...yay! Last night she was in bed by 8pm and I heard her at 3am and thought I would give it 15 minutes to see if she would go back to sleep. I woke up at 530am when she started crying and realized she had gone back to sleep! Go Sammy! She went right back to sleep after I fed her and slept till 9am.

This past week after her growth spurt, we have really noticed that she is more aware of what's going on...and becoming more assertive with what she wants and when she wants it. She is quite demanding...NOW NOW NOW NOW NOW! No, Mommy, don't do the dishes, play, play, play, NOW NOW NOW NOW!!! Basically, she realizes she likes to be held all day long and never set down EVER. I'm trying to figure out how to keep her happy AND still get things done around the house!

Eating?

Not sure there is a whole lot of eating going on here...she's a much bigger fan of blowing raspberries with the food!

Workin' It!

Samshine and I have been going to our Mommy and Me workout class for about 6 weeks now. It's really good and I am loving it...except...it's from 1030 till 1130 which is exactly when Samara is napping. So it never fails, every single week she has a minor meltdown from being overtired as she is so NOT a baby that will sleep wherever, whenever. Unfortunately she is not a big fan of the instructor...until now. We've figured out if she is bounced on the exercise ball and can see me, she doesn't mind as much. We take the class with my friend Brenda and her son Blake. We met them in our prenatal class and she's the one who recommended this class to me. Blake was starting to get tired near the end of class too so the instructor had them both bouncing away. So cute...even cuter when we noticed them holding hands!!!!

We remember...

In Flanders Fields
By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918)
Canadian Army

In Flanders Fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

Solids Update

We've been trying oat cereal instead of rice cereal for the past few days and Samara seems to like it better. I've tasted both and I don't blame her...the rice cereal is really bland where the oat cereal tastes a bit sweeter. With all the sweets and chocolate I ate while I was pregnant, it's no wonder she has a little sweet tooth!! Last night she even ate almost an entire tablespoon. Success!! After a couple more days of just cereal, we're going to try our luck at veggies...first up, green beans. We went to the Farmer's Market on the weekend and bought some fresh organic green beans, they look delicious so we'll see what she thinks!

Sleeping is going so-so. She is up around 1230 or 1 to feed...why so early, I have NO idea. For the past 2 months she was okay going 8 hours before the first feed. Then she wakes up when Shawn gets up around 5. I've been trying to let her put herself back to sleep then because I don't want to get in a habit of feeding twice a night again, unless it's during a growth spurt. This morning she was chatting away off and on for a whole hour. I eventually got up because it was impossible to sleep...and then she fell asleep.

Nana and Grandpa visit!

Happy Birthday Tianna!

Happy Birthday T! I know you're sick and not having a good birthday but hopefully you feel better soon and then we can celebrate!! We love you!

27 weeks

Not so great night we just had...and I know there are others out there who have it FAR worse so I won't go on and on about it. But when you start getting decent sleep again, well, you get used to it. And come to expect it. And enjoy it...oh boy, do you enjoy it after night upon night of getting up dozens of times and sleeping on an uncomfortable couch while your limbs have fallen asleep but you're too afraid of moving or you'll wake the baby!

Anyways, our nights now usually involve one wakeup for a feeding around 4 and 12-13 hours of sleep in total. Perfect, I can live with that. But lately, that 4am feed time is changing. Some days 230, some days 530, etc. A complete crap shoot. I just never know. The other night it was 130 but it was still just one feeding a night. Last night? 1230...earliest yet (well, not counting the first few months of course). Then she was up at 5 again for another feed. How can we be getting further away from her sleeping through the whole night instead of closer? I just don't understand. Is it because she needs solids at this point to help her sustain the time between feeds and she's just not eating? Any moms out there who read this blog, feel free to give advice in the comments section.

As for the solids, we're still trying but each day is a bit worse. Yesterday morning, she opened her mouth, tasted the cereal, gagged and refused to open her mouth another time. Not sure what to do. I bought oat cereal yesterday and we will try that this morning. Maybe try veggies first? Or keep trying the cereal and eventually she will like it...

I'm bald!!!

Okay, I'm exaggerating a bit. But my hair is falling out. And it's enough to make me feel a bit sick when I see all the hair stockpiling in all the garbages. For those of you who haven't been pregnant...here's how it goes. You get to have beautiful, luxurious, thick, gorgeous hair while you're pregnant. But the joke is on you because just when you think it's yours to keep, one day all those hairs you were supposed to lose each day (they say 100 strands is average) starts falling and making up for lost time. If I'm wearing a hat the next time you see me, you know why!

H1N1

I have had THE most frustrating morning. Sam went for her 6 month shots yesterday afternoon so was a bit cranky this morning. I figured she probably wouldn't enjoy the workout class too much today since that requires her to play on her own for most of the time so thought I would brave the lines and get her vaccinated instead. I had heard on the news that the wait times were not as bad today and it was more organized.

I got to the Brentwood location which is the closest to our house. I didn't (and still don't) even know where the actual clinic is...I just saw masses and masses of people. I started walking to the end of the line...and kept walking...and walking...and walking...and feeling more and more discouraged. There were hundreds of people in line already. And the lineup was outside...granted it's a nice day so not completely terrible but when I was there it was still chilly. I paused after walking several city blocks to call Shawn in tears because I just could foresee our day being so awful, standing in line with a cranky, feverish baby with no end in sight to the waiting. I decided to suck it up and stand in line and Shawn would come relieve me at lunch, bring me snacks, drinks and supplies. After standing in line for 15 minutes (during which the line didn't move an inch), an official came by and said that it would be about 4-5 hours before even getting a wristband. Once you got a wristband, they would be able to give you a better estimate when the actual vaccine would happen today. Apparently at this location people started lining up at 4am so there was a huge backlog. I heard that perhaps the Stampede Grandstand location was shorter so I decided to check it out...at the very least, I thought the lineup would be inside.

I drove to the Stampede grounds and was pleased to see free parking and lots of visible signs telling you where to go. When I got inside, it was the same. They had cartoons playing on all the TVs to entertain the older kids and free coffee, hot chocolate and juice. They had even opened their concession so you could buy snacks. The line was moving quite quickly too. As I was waiting, I got an email from one of the moms from our prenatal group. After waiting the morning, she got turned away because her son turned 6 months on November 3 instead of November 1. Apparently there was some confusion over whether the babies need to be 6 months as of November 1 or 6 months as of the vaccination date. GREAT. Samara turned 6 months on November 2. So I tried to find someone who could tell me more because at this point, I had no idea how long the line would take and didn't want to waste the whole morning, ruining Sam's much needed nap for NOTHING. When I found someone, they said that it had to be November 1st so I had wasted all my time this morning. I left feeling very discouraged and once again called Shawn in tears. He called Alberta Health and they said that was wrong and that we should get vaccinated and to speak to the clinic manager. At this point, I'm way too frustrated and crying too much to speak to anyone calmly and rationally. So Shawn gets me to hold tight and drives down to meet us. I decide in the meantime that I should get back in line and wait for him and make some progress. I end up getting to the registration faster than it takes Shawn to meet us and argue my case with one of the ladies. She refers me to the site coordinator who agrees to call the clinic manager. The clinic manager approves us and we get the go ahead to get a wristband and continue on waiting in line. 5 minutes later we are getting Sam's vaccine (Shawn meets us just in time to hold her since I'm a big wuss today and obviously will cry at the drop of a hat!) and that's it. It's done. Well, kind of...we have to go for round 2 in 3 weeks and neither Shawn or I are vaccinated yet.

SOOO frustrating. I am ashamed of the Alberta Government for their poor planning, lack of foresight and general stupidity when it came to handling this pandemic. I have already sent a letter to our MP and will be sending a letter to our MLA later today.

Hope you all have better luck than us!!

Solids Update

We started Samara on rice cereal on Sunday and it hasn't been going so well. I think she ate the most on Sunday and has been getting progressively less each day. Today she wouldn't open her mouth after taking the first bite. She opens her mouth nice and wide and then looks shocked, disgusted, HORRIFIED and looks at me like I've tricked her! I will keep trying though. I read somewhere that it can take 20 tries before success! I think I will try oatmeal on the weekend and see if she likes that any better.


Pardon Sam's wicked case of bedhead...kind of looks like an 80s rocker 'do!

Dancing Queen

Family Pictures

We got some family pictures done by Pat a few weeks ago. You can check out more of her work at www.patitongdesigns.com. She is very talented and we have been lucky to have her document all the milestones in our life so far...engagement, wedding, maternity, newborn and now these pictures. Aunty Chelsey was visiting from Yellowknife so we got a few pictures with her as well!