Sunday, August 30, 2009
Norah's first trip to the Library
Rainy Day
Rainy Day Part 2: Baking Cookies in the Afternoon
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Norah News: PEE IN THE POTTY!
OK, I know... 3rd post in a day, but I just couldn't figure out how to work this news into the last two posts. Norah's done it. Peeed in the Potty. Twice. Yup, my baby girl *sniff* Baby no more, she just turned 18 months old this week!
She's been getting stickers on her daily report (also known as "Paper" see earlier post) for giving the kid sized comodes a whirl. She is surprisinly proud of. I am not yet clear if she likes the stickers because they're shiny or because she gets them for giving it a shot. Regardless, we're on the potty training bandwagon, so hang on tight!
Here she is, having her nightly "practice" with Dad and catching up on her reading.
Tough Job: SAHM
For those of you not familiar with the shortcut, SAHM = Stay at Home Mom, and I'm here to tell you, it's a tough gig.
Norah got sent home sick from daycare yesterday, and while she was over whatever it was she had, she still is not allowed back until Friday. So, I took the day off - like for real, I didn't try to work, it was just me and the kiddo today! I'm EXHAUSTED!
We went to the library, then ran a few errands getting home in time for lunch, after which I was banking on a long nap, on account of her being under the weather (oh right, that was yesterday...) She slept for 45 minutes.
We had a good day, we played a lot, inside and out, sometimes active, sometimes more passive. But still, I was pretty happy to see Matt arrive for backup at dinner time!
While we were at the library It occured to me that there is a lot more to staying at home than just watching the kid and keeping the house. I'd have to, no, I'd want to, make sure I had some age appropriate activities planned, time with other kids (and moms), and some how manage to keep things in decent shape around here. Given how hard I find it when Matt works late now, I REALLY can't imagine what I would be like by the end of the day if I were home all the time.
As it is now, I really look forward to the end of the day, and going to pick up my girl! I don't feel anxious and panicky if I am 5 minutes late like I did a year ago, but that probably wasn't really good anyway. I cherish the time we have together in the morning and I am VERY thankful for a job that I like, that affords me this level of flexibility and convenience. It's hard that Matt is working so much these days, but we're a team, and hopefully it won't always be that way.
I've always had respect for SAHM's, because I know that there is a price to pay, no matter what mommy-option you choose, but today, I gained a whole new level of insight... it's not for me, but hats off to you, SAHM's!
Norah got sent home sick from daycare yesterday, and while she was over whatever it was she had, she still is not allowed back until Friday. So, I took the day off - like for real, I didn't try to work, it was just me and the kiddo today! I'm EXHAUSTED!
We went to the library, then ran a few errands getting home in time for lunch, after which I was banking on a long nap, on account of her being under the weather (oh right, that was yesterday...) She slept for 45 minutes.
We had a good day, we played a lot, inside and out, sometimes active, sometimes more passive. But still, I was pretty happy to see Matt arrive for backup at dinner time!
While we were at the library It occured to me that there is a lot more to staying at home than just watching the kid and keeping the house. I'd have to, no, I'd want to, make sure I had some age appropriate activities planned, time with other kids (and moms), and some how manage to keep things in decent shape around here. Given how hard I find it when Matt works late now, I REALLY can't imagine what I would be like by the end of the day if I were home all the time.
As it is now, I really look forward to the end of the day, and going to pick up my girl! I don't feel anxious and panicky if I am 5 minutes late like I did a year ago, but that probably wasn't really good anyway. I cherish the time we have together in the morning and I am VERY thankful for a job that I like, that affords me this level of flexibility and convenience. It's hard that Matt is working so much these days, but we're a team, and hopefully it won't always be that way.
I've always had respect for SAHM's, because I know that there is a price to pay, no matter what mommy-option you choose, but today, I gained a whole new level of insight... it's not for me, but hats off to you, SAHM's!
Another Ted
You may have heard that the senior Senator from Massachusetts, Ted Kennedy, passed away yesterday. Like him or not, he was a pretty big figure in these parts, and there has been all day news coverage for the past couple of days. Maybe it's because I'm not from here, maybe it's because I'm not really into stalking celebs, but I was much more affected by the recent death of another Ted. My dear friend Molly's father Ted (or Ed) passed away just about a month ago. The freaky thing is that both men were diagnosed with a brain tumor at about the same time. So while Senator Kennedy was fighting the big C in a very public way, the other Ed and his family were fighting a very similar battle in a much more private way.
I can't really explain why Molly's Dad's death affected me so much - I really had only met him a couple of times. Maybe it's the way her family rallied together and supported his wish to convalsce at home. Maybe it's the similarity between her family and my own - her Dad and my Dad were of similar age, active and young at heart. Her siblings and mine are of similar age. Even now, well into adulthood, her family's home is one where we often gathered - not unlike my own home growing up. Maybe it was seeing how close he had remained with his college friends - and there were a lot of them - expanding the extended family in all the best ways.
As I write this, I'm realizing that the thing about Molly's Dad that stays with me most is how he somehow managed, with 4 kids at home, to be present and involved with them, sharing a family meal each night, and instilling in them the "Team N" attidue, while still contributing in so many ways to his community - and inspiring others to do the same. It's something Matt and I struggle with often - how to be the parents Norah deserves, with all the pressures inherent in the life we've made for ourselves. It's hard at times to be a good friend, sister, daughter plus a wife & mother - in fact I must admit I've focused more on the last two lately.
I don't know what Ed's secret was, but I do know that he's leading by example, even from above. All I can do is try to do a little better, and I'm trying. Rest in Peace Ed N and Ed K
I can't really explain why Molly's Dad's death affected me so much - I really had only met him a couple of times. Maybe it's the way her family rallied together and supported his wish to convalsce at home. Maybe it's the similarity between her family and my own - her Dad and my Dad were of similar age, active and young at heart. Her siblings and mine are of similar age. Even now, well into adulthood, her family's home is one where we often gathered - not unlike my own home growing up. Maybe it was seeing how close he had remained with his college friends - and there were a lot of them - expanding the extended family in all the best ways.
As I write this, I'm realizing that the thing about Molly's Dad that stays with me most is how he somehow managed, with 4 kids at home, to be present and involved with them, sharing a family meal each night, and instilling in them the "Team N" attidue, while still contributing in so many ways to his community - and inspiring others to do the same. It's something Matt and I struggle with often - how to be the parents Norah deserves, with all the pressures inherent in the life we've made for ourselves. It's hard at times to be a good friend, sister, daughter plus a wife & mother - in fact I must admit I've focused more on the last two lately.
I don't know what Ed's secret was, but I do know that he's leading by example, even from above. All I can do is try to do a little better, and I'm trying. Rest in Peace Ed N and Ed K
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Norah News: Smarty Shoes
When I arrive to pick Norah up, she always runs and points at her ‘paper’ – her daily report card, letting me know what she did. Sometimes, she even says something that sounds like ‘paper’. Yesterday was no different, (except that she had a sticker for trying to potty) Her teacher and I were laughing at how cute she was, when the teacher offered up “Norah is really smart” (My chest swells with pride) She had a couple of examples, but my favorite one had to do with shoes. Thinking about it some more, Norah does have a thing for shoes…
In any case, the kids all have water shoes for when they go outside for “Water Play” some have crocs, some have sandals, and some have those funny looking ones. Apparently, when they are getting the kids ready for water time, they line all the shoes up in a row. I guess Norah has taken it upon herself to hand out everyone’s shoes – and she manages to get the right shoes matched up with the right kid! The funniest part of the story is that yesterday, her classmate Blake was still asleep on his cot when they started getting ready. I guess Norah took his shoes over to him and placed them next to him on his cot.
I never cease to be amazed
In any case, the kids all have water shoes for when they go outside for “Water Play” some have crocs, some have sandals, and some have those funny looking ones. Apparently, when they are getting the kids ready for water time, they line all the shoes up in a row. I guess Norah has taken it upon herself to hand out everyone’s shoes – and she manages to get the right shoes matched up with the right kid! The funniest part of the story is that yesterday, her classmate Blake was still asleep on his cot when they started getting ready. I guess Norah took his shoes over to him and placed them next to him on his cot.
I never cease to be amazed
Monday, August 24, 2009
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Camping with Tornadoes and Hurricanes
We booked a weekend at Lake Dennison a while ago. The plan at that time was for our neighbours to join us. Well, as the day grew closer and word of hurricane Bill spread, the commitment level dropped like a stone, until we found ourselves the lone campers on this trip. Not to be deterred by a little weather, Norah and I headed out during the day on Friday, with Matt planning to join us after work. We set up the tent and headed to the beach.
Shortly after our swim, the lifeguards gave the "5 minute warning" for everyone to clear the water, as lightening had been spotted in the area. I also heard on their radio that a tornado warning had been posted for the area we were in - yes, that's right, tornado.
We met Matt back at the campsite and quickly set up our now famous tarp set-up before the rains rolled in. By the time the rain started in earnest, we were cozy and dry under the tarp, and passed a nice evening listening to the rain. It rained all night, and was still raining in the morning, so after some oatmeal for Norah and coffee for us, we set out for a Big Breakfast. By the time we were done, the sun had come out, and we headed back for a nice day on Lake Dennison - we paddled over to the beach, spent some time there, and then back in the canoe for a paddle around before heading home for a bite to eat.
By this time, it was 3:30 and time for Norah to head down for a nap. Just after she went down, it started raining. Hard. So hard that I said to Matt: "The thing about this kind of rain is that it can't possibly keep going like this for long." I was wrong. 2 hours later it was raining inside the tent (but let the record show, that the tarp was holding strong!) We ended up packing up the entire campsite while Norah was still asleep (thank goodness she slept until 6!) and headed home for a dry night's sleep!
It was still a great weekend, and I am so thankful to my parents (and Matt's) that they were able to show us such good simple fun, and that we in turn are able to show Norah.
Here's Matt and Norah at the lake across from our campsite (swimming area in background)
and the set would not be complete without one of the tarp...
View of the lake from our site when the sun came out!
Shortly after our swim, the lifeguards gave the "5 minute warning" for everyone to clear the water, as lightening had been spotted in the area. I also heard on their radio that a tornado warning had been posted for the area we were in - yes, that's right, tornado.
We met Matt back at the campsite and quickly set up our now famous tarp set-up before the rains rolled in. By the time the rain started in earnest, we were cozy and dry under the tarp, and passed a nice evening listening to the rain. It rained all night, and was still raining in the morning, so after some oatmeal for Norah and coffee for us, we set out for a Big Breakfast. By the time we were done, the sun had come out, and we headed back for a nice day on Lake Dennison - we paddled over to the beach, spent some time there, and then back in the canoe for a paddle around before heading home for a bite to eat.
By this time, it was 3:30 and time for Norah to head down for a nap. Just after she went down, it started raining. Hard. So hard that I said to Matt: "The thing about this kind of rain is that it can't possibly keep going like this for long." I was wrong. 2 hours later it was raining inside the tent (but let the record show, that the tarp was holding strong!) We ended up packing up the entire campsite while Norah was still asleep (thank goodness she slept until 6!) and headed home for a dry night's sleep!
It was still a great weekend, and I am so thankful to my parents (and Matt's) that they were able to show us such good simple fun, and that we in turn are able to show Norah.
Here's Matt and Norah at the lake across from our campsite (swimming area in background)
and the set would not be complete without one of the tarp...
View of the lake from our site when the sun came out!
Where I was this weekend....
I'm not sure why, but sometimes pictures sent from my Blackberry don't go thru. In any case, here is where we were this past weekend. Lake Dennison - this is our campsite, note the lake thru the trees!
Friday, August 21, 2009
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Little Miss Muffet
Here's little Miss Muffett, sitting on her Tuffett in Target a couple of weeks ago. Note the lack of sandals :) I was just cleaning up some files and realized I had never done anything with this one.
Norah News: Full Moon Rising
Last night before bed, I went to tuck Norah in, as I do most every night. I was stopped dead in my tracks by what I found in her crib. Not only was she stretched out across the crib (vs along it's length, where she actually still fits) but both of her legs were poking through the side of the crib, and her diaper had been cast aside, leaving her lily white bum in the middle of the scene. I laughed so hard I had to go and get Matt out of bed to see it. Taking a picture DID cross my mind, but I didn't think it would be appropriate blog fodder, though it was VERY funny!
Monday, August 17, 2009
Morning Insight
Here's a little insight to the 'conversations' Norah and I have in the morning. As you know, I've been teaching her which key is for the house, the truck, etc. and also how to open the truck without setting the alarm off. Well this morning, she opened the truck, on her own, without me showing her which button to press. Here is what transpired:
Norah: "I did it!"
Mommy: "Wow Norah, you're so smart, are you sure you're only a year and a half old?"
Norah: "Yeah" But it was the teenager like way she said it that was so funny, like, yeah, I did it, so what? A glimpse of the days to come perhaps?
Norah: "I did it!"
Mommy: "Wow Norah, you're so smart, are you sure you're only a year and a half old?"
Norah: "Yeah" But it was the teenager like way she said it that was so funny, like, yeah, I did it, so what? A glimpse of the days to come perhaps?
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Too Cool.
Note the shades and phone in her hand :)
Edited to add: I should mention that Dad picked out this outfit for Norah, all on his own - not bad eh?
Friday, August 14, 2009
Lazy Blogger...
Well it's Friday and I spent the better part of my work week writing, up to and including 8:30 pm last night, so you'll pardon me if I don't feel much like writing. It's been a good week though, despite the fact that we're no longer on vacation. Instead of my musings, today you're treated to a couple of pictures of Norah helping around the house.
When it's time to go in the morning, she calls out "keys, keys!" until I get the keys for her, and then she likes to "lock" the door for us. We're still working on identifying which key actually works the door, the truck, etc. but it's as cute as all get out.
PS: Almost forgot, further to yesterday's report that Norah said "Nanny" while pointing to her picture, we have seen a close repeat several times this morning. It's more "Anny" than "Nanny" but I am pretty sure, that after waiting so patiently, Nanny will take it!
When it's time to go in the morning, she calls out "keys, keys!" until I get the keys for her, and then she likes to "lock" the door for us. We're still working on identifying which key actually works the door, the truck, etc. but it's as cute as all get out.
She's also become fascinated with the fridge, I think in part from the kid-sized fridge in the cottage last week. Anyway, in this picture she's supposedly putting away her milk, though she was taking her sweet time, getting a good look at everything in there!
Enjoy and have a great weekend! Weather looks good here, so I am hoping to pretend we're on vacation again :)
PS: Almost forgot, further to yesterday's report that Norah said "Nanny" while pointing to her picture, we have seen a close repeat several times this morning. It's more "Anny" than "Nanny" but I am pretty sure, that after waiting so patiently, Nanny will take it!
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Just a picture
Here is a picture of Norah and I this morning... She looked really cute today, so I was trying to get a picture of her... the best I could do was this self portrait of us, which I really like, so here it is!
BIG NEWS!
It finally happened.
Norah said "Nanny"
My mom has been patiently waiting, as Norah mastered Aunt Zie, Eric, Erin and even "Papa". I was convinced that during the week we spent together, she'd say it, but the closest she came was "lala" which is what she called the dog next door, whose real name is Lannie, which admittedly sounds a little like Nanny
In any case, this morning over breakfast, we were looking through the picture book I had prepared for our recent trip. I'd point to a picture and ask "Who is that?" She got Erin and Eric right away. Then I showed her the picture of her and Nanny. She pointed, and then screwed up her face a little, then she said it - "Nanny!" as clear as day! I was so excited I had to call my mom and let her know right away, seems like it wouldn't do for her to hear it on the Bugle first!
Yay Norah!
Norah said "Nanny"
My mom has been patiently waiting, as Norah mastered Aunt Zie, Eric, Erin and even "Papa". I was convinced that during the week we spent together, she'd say it, but the closest she came was "lala" which is what she called the dog next door, whose real name is Lannie, which admittedly sounds a little like Nanny
In any case, this morning over breakfast, we were looking through the picture book I had prepared for our recent trip. I'd point to a picture and ask "Who is that?" She got Erin and Eric right away. Then I showed her the picture of her and Nanny. She pointed, and then screwed up her face a little, then she said it - "Nanny!" as clear as day! I was so excited I had to call my mom and let her know right away, seems like it wouldn't do for her to hear it on the Bugle first!
Yay Norah!
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Pigtails, The Next Frontier
Well the great Sandal Battle of 2009 has been won - score one for Mommy! After a week of vacation, where she barely wore shoes at all, Norah started off the week with sandals, and this morning was sporting a pair with *gasp* Velcro! She actually fiddled with the Velcro a bit, but seemed OK with leaving them on.
Yesterday, when I picked her up, she had a pony tail in her hair! I've tried on multiple occasions to get her to wear any manner of hair do-dad, without success. The only exception was one day during vacation, where I suspect she liked it because Mommy and Auntie E were also sporting 'tails that day - the 'me too' factor surely came into play yesterday as well.
So this morning, I was pleased when she sat patiently while I put two pig tails in her hair with some cute little elastics I bought earlier this week. She fiddled with them for a minute, and then this:
Needless to say, they didn't stay in long... maybe next week!
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Back to the Grind
Every weekend, I take my wallet and cell phone out of my purse, and put them in the diaper bag. Each Sunday night, after Norah goes to bed, I take it out of the diaper bag and place it back in my purse. This routine somehow helps me change gears from being a working mom to just being a mom over the weekend. I change gears, focus on Norah and Matt, and leave the marketing plans, data sheets and presentations to their own devices.
This past week, I turned off the phone, left the bulk of my wallet at home, and barely knew where the rest of it was – We went on VACATION! It was a wonderful, very relaxing vacation, in one of my favorite places, with some of my favorite people. The weather was great, Norah had a hoot, and we could not have asked for anything more (except possibly an air mattress that actually held air…)
My only real complaint about our vacation is that it’s over. We’re back – at least in body. My mind is still not quite in the game, so I’ll keep this post short.
This past week, I turned off the phone, left the bulk of my wallet at home, and barely knew where the rest of it was – We went on VACATION! It was a wonderful, very relaxing vacation, in one of my favorite places, with some of my favorite people. The weather was great, Norah had a hoot, and we could not have asked for anything more (except possibly an air mattress that actually held air…)
My only real complaint about our vacation is that it’s over. We’re back – at least in body. My mind is still not quite in the game, so I’ll keep this post short.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Welcome Home!
Here is the picture I originally posted on July 31 at 10 AM as we crossed the Canso Causeway into Cape Breton. A few minutes later, while stopped at the Welcome Center, I ran into a dear ol friend's parents, who were also stopping for a break. That's Cape Breton for you! Welcome Home indeed!
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