2009

Well, the year is coming to a close...and what a year it's been! Reflecting back, there have been so many highs and lows...times of complete elation and happiness and times of extreme frustration and sleep deprivation! Of course the highlight of the year was Samara coming into our lives. She has changed our lives so completely...and although the change is drastic, it is difficult to remember who we were, what we would be doing and what our lives were like without her. It's like she has always been part of our family...we've been waiting for her all along!

Some of the things that happened to us this year:

-Samara is born on May 2 at 2:25am after 45 hours of labour.

-Shawn gets a promotion and transfer...so 2010 will be another big year for us with our family moving from Calgary to Lethbridge. I'm sure there will be many exciting experiences that come with that.

-Shawn and I become DEBT FREE! (minus our mortgage, of course) We worked really hard to get that way...years of student loans to get us an education degree, a music degree and a broadcast engineer certificate. We had to give up certain things...we don't have the biggest house, we certainly don't have the nicest cars and we still have an ancient tube TV but all in all, it's completely worth it to not have those credit card bills and loans screaming at me while I'm trying to sleep! I've got Samara now for that! HA!

-I make a lot of great new Mommy friends who are invaluable! And got closer to my friends who were already parents.

-I gain 50 pounds.

-I lose 50 pounds! But in the process develop a flat Mom bum.

-I work my last day as Marketing Coordinator for Olympic Seismic. At the time I wasn't sure it would be my last day and now that it is...I have mixed feelings but am overjoyed that I can be a stay at home mom.

-We got to see so much of our extended families and friends in 2009. I think we have Samara to thank for that!

I hope you all had a great 2009 and all the best in 2010 from my family to yours. Thanks for visiting the blog...I'm enjoying writing it!

Canadian Tire

I just had the WORST experience at Canadian Tire. Does anyone else find that stores are HORRIBLY set up for moms with strollers? This was awful. I'm still fuming from it. I sent them the following letter:

I have just returned from the Calgary North location of Canadian Tire. I went there to return a can of paint that my husband had purchased. After waiting in line for 30 minutes, I was told that I couldn't return the item for cash unless I had the same debit card that was used to purchase the paint. My husband purchased it and of course I don't have his card. If you've established that the item does in fact come from the store and does warrant a return, why should it matter how the funds are returned to the customer? If this is a Canadian Tire policy, why does it not say so on your return policy on the back of your receipts?

Instead of making it a wasted trip, I said I would just get a gift card. No, apparently Canadian Tire does not do this either. Why is it that you are making things so difficult for your customers? I was told I could get a store credit but it must be spent that very same visit. So I said I would and tried to maneuver my stroller with my baby around the store. Well, that proved to be quite difficult. Why is it that your store is not accessible to everyone? I know how difficult it was for me, an able bodied person to maneuver a small stroller around your store, I can only imagine how difficult it must be for someone who is handicapped. We could not even get through the carousel at the front. The more accessible entry to the store was blocked by your extremely long lineup to return items. Once I eventually got into the store, it was hard to get around as there were boxes blocking access to aisles. Once I was finally able to pick out my items, I gathered my purchases and returned to the Returns to check out my items...but of course had problems trying to get the stroller through to the returns section. My purchases were rung through and as luck would have it, I was $4 short. I was told that there was no way possible I could have the $4 back and that I would have to find items to spend. At this point, I have been in the store for 50 minutes, all while trying to get through your poorly set up store with a baby who is beginning to get fussy. I am so frustrated at this point and can't imagine trying to get through the store to find $4 worth of merchandise to buy. The clerk (who is actually quite helpful and apologetic) calls the manager on duty to see if I can just get the cash back. And the answer is absolutely not.

As a loyal customer to Canadian Tire, I find this appalling that you treat your customers this way. I left in tears from such a frustrating experience. I have always given my business to Canadian Tire first, wanting to keep my business in Canada. However, I will not be shopping at Canadian Tire again as I see how they value their customers.

End of letter.

Now, I'm a frequent "boycotter". If a store annoys me or pisses me off, I will frequently boycott them...only to return the next time I really need something. Or am in the area. HA! Not that strong willed I guess. Anyways, this time, I'm done. If they don't respond to my email, I'm NEVER setting foot in that store. You heard it here first! And mostly the reason I posted it was so I would follow through. GGGGRRRRRR...

Followers

This is where I beg and plead for people to follow me. If you're reading this and aren't a follower, please start! My husband bet me I couldn't get more followers...and he didn't say I couldn't beg for people to add me so help me win the bet! Momma wants a new pair of shoes!

Tooth #3

This morning Sam's upper front tooth is poking through. This one has probably caused her the most trouble to date...although it's tough to tell as it happened at the same time as her first cold. Anyway, 3 down...feels like a million to go!

34 weeks

Samara now is pulling herself up on everything. Her favorite thing lately seems to be to stand. She gets brave and only holds on with 1 hand and sometimes no hands before lunging herself at me. She is getting a top tooth which has been causing her some trouble...that combined with her cold means she has a constant running nose which is getting raw and red and drool running down her chin!

Merry Christmas!

Okay, so it's a bit late! Hope everyone had a lovely Christmas. We did the 2 hour trek to Wetaskiwin. It took me awhile to get packed and by the time Shawn got home from work on the 24th, I had a huge pile by the door of things we had to take. Suffice to say that it was more than the last time we went, pre-Samara! The trip went alright, quite a few cars in the ditch and a couple of fussy bits from Sam but all in all, it was good. We had a great visit there, Sam met some family she hadn't seen before, we ate until we burst, slept a lot...nice break from the work we've been doing on the basement. Sam did pretty well not being able to sleep in her crib, especially considering she was teething and still had a cold. She's getting her front tooth on the top now. We left yesterday after lunch and Sam actually slept most of the way. Now we're back at home and the basement projects loom darkly over our heads!

Goodbye 27, Hello 28!

Today is my 28th birthday. So much has happened in the past year that at times, it feels as though I have aged about a dozen years. I've never had a year with more love, tears, frustration, wisdom, excitement, triumphs, tenderness and complete joy. And even in the tough times, it's been the best year ever. I have a fantastic little family and am truly grateful and thankful for all the wonderful people in my life. Being 28 is going to be just fine!

Day #2 of THE COLD

We've got one tough cookie. She doesn't seem too bothered by her cold. She was a snotty, snotty, snotty mess yesterday and still today. I couldn't wipe her nose enough times to keep up with it. So now her nose is a bit raw. Her new nicknames include Rudolph and Snot. She napped a bit longer than normal (NOT complaining!) but besides that we had a pretty regular day. She fussed a bit when I put her down for bedtime which is not her usual but then she slept until about 130am, I fed her and wiped her nose and then she slept till 745am. Not half bad considering it's her first cold! The only thing that turns her into The Shrieking Monster Who Shrieks VERY Loudly is when I wipe her nose. I guess she'd rather have all her baby pictures looking like she was raised by bums who can't afford Kleenex. But too bad, I'm the boss so the nose wiping continues! HA!

Another first...

Except this time, it's not good. I've been up since about 3am with Sam and her snotty, snotty nose. She officially has her first cold. She's sneezing and coughing a bit too. So I've been in and out of her room for the past few hours digging snot out of her nose...ahhh...so glamourous.

Samara's first encounter with Santa!

Last weekend we went to Shawn's work family Christmas party. They had the BEST Santa there. He had a real beard and if he were in regular clothes, you'd still look at him and think he would make a great Santa! Anyways, Sam surprised us by not crying or fussing AT ALL with him. We had given her a toy a couple of minutes before she was called and she was pretty fascinated with it so hardly seemed to notice that she was sitting on his knee. She liked her present too...bath toys...but liked the wrapping and the box best.

33 weeks

Sam's busy these days pulling herself up on anything nearby. Still no real desire to crawl, just drags herself everywhere. Yesterday she was sitting and would still drag herself with her arms to get places!

First Kiss

No, this isn't some story about my first kiss when I was 12. I mean, when I was 21 (Hi Mom and Dad!). Today, Samara gave me a few kisses. We were playing on the floor and she was climbing on me and then grabbing onto me to stand up. I kept pulling her towards me, making kissy noises and then giving her a kiss. After I had done that a few times, she moved herself to me, opened her mouth and planted a big wet one on me!!! She didn't exactly pucker her mouth, but it was a nice, sloppy open mouth kiss. LOVE IT! And to prove it wasn't a fluke, she kept doing it. I was whooping and laughing and she had the biggest smile on her face, she was so proud of herself!

Baby's got skillz...

Yesterday we went to my friend Janice's house for a visit with her and her 2 boys, Luca and Levi. Sam had a great time playing (eating!) all their toys while Janice and I were able to catch up. While we were there, Sam figured out how to pull herself to standing from a kneeling position. Levi has a little music chair and Sam was also able to stand up by herself from sitting in the chair. Go Sam!

Sam's newest thing too is to try and crawl over me when we're playing on the floor. BUT...since she's not actually crawling yet, it's not really working. Really she's just mushing herself into me and pulling my hair! Oh, and occasionally scratching me and sucking on my cheeks.

'Tis The Season...

It's been a tradition for as long as I can remember to bake Christmas goodies. I remember as a kid going with Chels and Mom over to her best friend's place and they would go crazy baking all kinds of things while we played with her kids, popping up once in awhile to have a little sample. As we got older, we got to help and as we got older still, we took over baking for ourselves.

Every year, I say to myself...TOO MUCH. You've made TOO MUCH. Next year, make less. There is no need for such gluttony! And every year I make just as much, if not more. So...this year, having Samara and not a whole shwackload (it's totally a word!) of free time, I decide Shawn will pick one thing and I will pick one thing. I think we talked about that way back in September. Remember that Shawnyboy? I do now that I think back.

Guess what happened...you bet. I've got butterscotch confetti, dark chocolate fudge, white chocolate fudge, nanaimo bars, midnight mints and whipped shortbread. Seriously, who needs that much baking? I DO APPARENTLY!! Because I just couldn't leave one of those out.

Tonight I made whipped shortbread. The secret to having these taste the BEST is whipping the batter for 10 whole minutes. No cheating, it must be that long for the cookies to melt in your mouth. Then comes the tricky part. The Cookie Press. Also known around here as the #$%*&#*"$%&# or else the %&*$*@*!)$#(%*. Seriously, is there a person out there that can get these frigging things to work easily? If there is, that was purely a rhetorical question and I don't care to hear from you! I fought with that thing tonight until I was practically in tears and thought I'd have to check myself into the hospital for having a nervous breakdown. It just would NOT work properly. I was so close to throwing The Cookie Press, the batter, the bowl and myself through the window. AHHH...but I pushed through because I never give up on anything (even when I clearly should!) and digging into my apparently limitless supply of patience, made it through several dozen without losing my mind. SO...if you are so lucky to sample one of my whipped shortbread cookies, ENJOY THEM.

Happy Birthday Grandma Jill!

Happy Birthday Jill! Hope you had a fantastic birthday! Sorry I'm one day late, I can't seem to remember that I'm posting birthdays on the blog!!

It's Official!

We're moving to Lethbridge! Lots of you probably know but we were keeping relatively quiet until Shawn's boss had posted his position and until I had told my work. That is done now so we can spread the news! We don't know for sure when yet...Shawn's position has to be hired and trained before we go. So our guess is sometime around March but it could be earlier or later. We don't know a single person there so it's a little scary but exciting at the same time. The big benefits are that it's a great step up for Shawn's career and with his raise and the lower cost of living in Lethbridge, I will be able to remain a stay at home mom with Samara. YAY!!!!!! I was in complete denial that I would have to either figure out something to do from home or else find daycare for her and return to work. I'm so happy that I get to experience all her firsts and that I'm not paying someone else to have those experiences. Don't get me wrong, I know people do what they have to do. But, for me, this is exactly what I want and what I feel is best for our family. So yeah...the next few months will be VERY busy...getting the house ready (minor renovations in the basement, EEK!), selling, buying a new home, packing, moving, etc. It makes me tired just thinking about it!

Watch out, she spits!

Boxes are a baby's best friend...

You always hear stories PB (pre-baby) about how kids end up loving the packaging better than any toy. Well, we've found that is definitely true. Whether it be the wrapping paper that Sam is trying to eat, the plastic she is trying to gnaw on or the tissue paper she is trying to crinkle, the material ends up being a bigger hit than the toy! And who can blame her? Her parents make her play with boxes.

Happy Birthday Jim!!

Happy Birthday Papa Jim, Grandpapa Jim, Jimbo, Dad, Jim Dad and all the other names you go by! We feel pretty lucky you flew to Calgary to spend it with the Calgary Tompkins Crew. Have a great day!!

LATE BIRTHDAY!!

I forgot that I had intended to post birthdays on here. I missed Dix's Birthday although not to worry, I'm not just remembering now...I'm just remembering to post it on the blog right now! Love you Dix, hope this year is great!

32 weeks

We had a really good week despite being housebound many of the days due to bad weather. Sam is still my best buddy but she'll let me put her down to play as long as I stay close. So I've managed to get a bit of Christmas baking done. The weather today is COLD. FREEZING. CHILLY. You name it. This morning it's -24 with a windchill making it feel like -35 and tonight with the windchill it's supposed to feel like -38. Stay warm!!

Samara's New Toy

Lately Sam is all about standing. She can't quite get to that position on her own but she makes it pretty clear that's what she wants. The problem is that we don't have any toys that she could play with in that position. I was in Wal Mart (ugh...don't remind me how many times I've boycotted them, right now they are just a necessary evil!) and I came across the perfect toy. Leapfrog Learning Table. Exactly for kids who like standing and playing. Even better? Rollback price, only $30! So off we went. I meant to save it for Christmas but you all know me...years and years of looking for my Christmas presents, spoiling every secret, every surprise for myself are hard habits to break. So needless to say, Sam is playing with her new toy and loving it. Even the box is a hit!!

In the first video you can actually see the table by the tree.

Happy Holidays!

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Sleeping Position

Sam's new favorite sleeping position...on her tummy with her butt up, too cute!

If Only...

I wish this thing was for real:

http://www.thinkgeek.com/geek-kids/newborn-infant/bea5/

Wouldn't it make life simpler?! We're having one of those days...

One Tough Kid

Some babies Sam's age are crawling. Some are walking while holding on to coffee tables and couches. Others are standing unassisted. Others are making coherent babbles that sound like words. Not Sam. She does something even better. Are you ready for it??

She can beat up a snowman*. FOR REAL. Check it:



*snowman courtesy of Sam's Mimi (my stepmom Dix) who was visiting this past weekend.

Christmas Score Sheet

Robbie - 1
Nice ceramic stocking hanger - 0

Next up? The Christmas tree. However, if Robbie isn't careful, the tree is going to win that one since he is obsessed with chewing the strands of pre-strung lights.

31 weeks

Samara is back to her regular cheery self. We're not sure what was going on the last couple of weeks...maybe a combination of a growth spurt, teething and a severe case of separation anxiety. But she's back to normal and we're SO thankful!!

Success!!!

After some quite unsuccessful meals lately, we've realized that Samara just does NOT like veggies. The sweeter ones like yams are OKAY but not great. She likes prunes and bananas...which is all the fruit we've tried so far. So this morning after getting up at the hideous hour of 5am (couldn't sleep), I decided to make Sam some homemade applesauce. I've been making all her food so far, with the exception of the cereal. She had some cereal and applesauce for breakfast and I could not spoon it in fast enough. Best meal to date. No crying or fussing whatsoever. From either of us.

Fish Lips

Here's Sam showing off her latest skill...

Vitamin D

All babies are supposed to get a dose of Vitamin D every day until they reach a certain age. We've always had the routine that right before Samara gets her bath, we give her a shot of it. It's pretty syrupy and tastes kind of like cough medicine. But even when she was a tiny little baby and crying so much of the time, she seemed to like it. She would even stop crying when we gave it to her. Now, months later, you get the bottle out and she starts kicking her legs in anticipation. The other night it was Shawn's bath night. He asked her if she wanted a bath and she started making sucking motions with her mouth. Shawn had forgotten the Vitamin D and she was reminding him! It's the first real communication we've had from her that wasn't crying!

7 months!!

Our little Samshine is 7 months today. SO hard to believe. In some ways it feels like just last week we found out I was pregnant or saw her on the ultrasound for the first time, gave birth, saw her first smile, etc. And here we are 7 months later...already. I feel like if I blink too long, I will miss her being a baby.

At 7 months, Sam is combat crawling around. She pulls herself by her arms with her legs trailing behind. She can get up and rock on all fours but when she puts her arms forward, her stomach plants back into the floor. I think if we had carpet anywhere in the house, she might be crawling already. She likes standing and holding onto your hands and walking around that way. She can stand unassisted while holding onto the couch, coffee table, etc.

Her favorite toys lately are any tupperware and kitchen utensil I give her to play with, my little apple with chimes in it that I had when I was a baby, the squirting bath toys, Sophie the Giraffe and the Rock and Roll Fisher Price toy that Nana and Grandpa bought her. She still loves her board books and we can actually sit and read to her now and she is sort of interested in following along. Mostly. Sometimes she just really would rather eat the book than read it!

Her favorite activies are still the Jolly Jumper, baths (NEVER thought I would say that after the first few months resulted in a meltdown everytime she went in!), going for walks, car rides, going out in public and seeing new things...this kid would be happier than a pig in poo if I took her somewhere new and exciting every single day. Unfortunately, that can't happen but I do try and get her out and about several times a week. She still loves dancing and listening to music. This is going to be one artistic girl!

Her favorite foods...well, I wouldn't say she LOVES anything but she seems to enjoy oat cereal, yams and prunes. So far she has also tried rice cereal, yum yums (rice crackers), puffed rice cereal, green beans, peas and bananas. She is getting the hang out of drinking water from a sippy cup as well. She sometimes needs us to tip the cup back for her to get anything and I'm not positive that she's sucking so much as chewing the water out!

Sleeping is pretty much the same. She sleeps an average of 12 hours a night with one wakeup to feed about 9 hours in. She puts herself to sleep at night and for naps. She is napping between 3-4 hours a day and we're just looking at going from 3 naps down to 2, eliminating the early evening nap all together.

We find ourselves amazed at Samara every day. She will do something that makes us laugh or surprises us. It is the best, most rewarding AND difficult thing I've ever done. But it seems like just when the well of my patience has run dry, she makes me laugh or has a great nap and gives me a break. I can't remember how I used to fill my days before she came along!

This morning I tried to take the 7 month birthday pic and Sam was SO obsessed with the paper. I managed one semi-okay one before she noticed the paper and made it her mission to eat it. I put 2 more funny ones...look how wrinkled the paper is from me trying to wrestle it away from her!

Sam's new bath toy

It's a squirt toy. Actually 3 different ones. TONS of fun for me.




She had SO much fun! Then she pooped in the tub.

Mmmm...food...

In our continuing search to find solids that Samara will like, we've come across a problem that only prunes will solve. The good thing is that she actually likes prunes! Tonight we had no luck with the oat cereal and peas. But prunes were for dessert (aren't we the most generous parents EVER?!) so at least she ate something. Then we started mixing the prunes with the cereal and she'd still eat it. So we added peas to that too. And she ate it. HA! Score one for the parents!