I really can’t say enough good things about today. I’ve been so emotionally charged these last few days, and this morning was no different. I was really looking forward to Jerilee coming over to help break up my day. She ran a few errands and was over around 11:00 bearing two huge gift bags. She informed me that we were officially having a birthday party, since both of our birthdays passed in June and July, and we hadn’t been able to do anything significant for them. That girl thought of everything! She brought a lunch of chicken lemon rice soup and cheese biscuits (These are a few of my favorite thiiiiings!) and macarons for dessert. Best food ever. After lunch, we just played with the kids and lounged until nap time. Once the kids were down, things got ca-raaaaazy! (Bahaha!)

Party hats were broken out and the friendship bracelet kit was opened. Well, we made friendship necklaces. Tapefetti necklaces, to be more specific. Yup, its a thing.

I’d tell you how it works, but that would kill the mystery. Hmmm, shame these pictures didn’t work out better :/ Our tapefetti designs were poured over and debated for quite some time before we had the perfect combinations. Its an art, really. An art best mastered over coffee and to the sound of Say Yes to the Dress.

I feel guilty saying the best part, because the best part was celebrating with Jerilee, but she bought me the best birthday gift I could have ever received!!!

Isn’t it beautiful? I think it needs a name. She has this whole lie worked out a while ago when she purchased it, I fell in love with it, and then she “returned” it. I mourned its death to her for a while, which I suppose was all part of the evil plan. The ruse came to a halt today when I learned that it was my purse the whole time. Jerilee, I LOVE this bag!!! I’m so excited to have a sexy bag to sport on the days when I’m diaper-bag free! No more carrying my phone, wallet, keys, and lip gloss in my hands. A’int no one got time for that!

Once Brady arrived home, he finished up the supper I started in the crock pot and we had cheesy chicken and rice. A very hot meal on a very hot day, in the very hot upstairs of our house. Then we took a cutesy picture and sent Jerilee off to her evening of nerdiness with other friends. Psh.

I have to say, as a point of caution for wearers of party hats – You never know how close you walk to things (or people) until you wear a sideways party hat. Mine was pretty bashed in by the time I finally took it off. Huh, speaking of which, I still have a star sticker on my face…

Now that the party is over, the kids are in bed, I’m doing this, and Brady is mowing swathing our lawn. Soon, there will be a bubble bath and some Netflix, and likely more macarons.

Best. Day. Ever. This was exactly what I needed today. I love you, belated birthday girl!!! Thanks for your love and thoughtfulness <3

Awww! Moment 😉

Brady let me sleep in this morning, which I apparently really really needed. I woke up all on my own at 10:15. It was awesome. I felt way better physically and it seemed to help my mental health as well. It was good. I went downstairs and watched Magic School Bus with the boys while we waited for Laela to wake up from her nap. I learned a lot about the desert from Ms. Frizzle. Smart lady. Once Laela woke up, we all got ready and headed to my parents. My brother, sister in law, and their two boys are out visiting, and it was time we got our kicks in over there.

The house was teeming with kids, and it was awesome. While Dekker is still shy, he never screamed or got too worked up at all with all the new people. He fit in pretty quick, and played along with everyone else. Laela was a bit shy of my brother, Simon, as she tends to be a bit more timid of new men in general, but she got comfortable nice and quickly.

We ate all day, and when Dekker and Laela went down for a nap, us kids and the other two boys went for a walk in an effort to quiet the house for a little bit. It was nice to get a bit of fresh air while the kids could get a deep sleep.

My parents ordered in pizza for supper, and we feasted on that. Even Laela loved chewing on a crust, or at least the novelty that came with it. We had some cake for dessert, and the little boys begged for just a little bit more over and over. It was delicious though.I can’t blame them.

We left my parents house in time to get the kids down at a relatively normal time. Maybe a half hour late. Laela burped up a bit of pizza and chocolate cake after her bottle but frankly, at least we got milk into her! We worked on the sippy cup today but she hasn’t figured it out yet. Tomorrow is another day.

Ooo! Tomorrow is another day!! A day with Jerilee!!! Sorry, probably a lot of you have no idea who Jerilee is, and you likely think we have a fairly dependant relationship. You’re right, and don’t judge. We haven’t spent any time together for what seems like forever, so tomorrow, we’ll need to cover a lot of information, and I’m sooo looking forward to it!

Just waiting for tomorrow…

The kids slept in until 8:oo this morning, which was a really nice surprise. Brady tried to sneak out to get them himself to let me keep sleeping, but I got up very shortly afterwards and spent the early morning with them. It was relaxing and nice. There was one instance where Dekker got a bit grumpy, but just a very little bit, and I imitated him. I wouldn’t normally, because I think sometimes its mean and gets him worked up more, but when its just borderline, I try it out. So I made his face back at him – scrunched up nose, furrowed brow, and pursed lips. He burst out laughing and raced over to kiss my pursed lips. Best result ever! I highly recommend this tactic.

In case you didn’t see on Facebook, the littlest munchkin is boycotting her bottle in a BIG way. I’ve been noticing a decline in her interest for sure, but today she drank half-sized feedings at best. If I tried to hold her or help her along, she would scream and scream. It would appear its time to learn about a sippy cup, and FAST! Because even though we can feed her more and more solids, she does still need her formula for another month or two.

When it became apparent that she wasn’t going to drink anything, Brady and I decided that I should take a few hours to myself and head to the city for some groceries, with Laela specifically in mind. So I got all ready and headed out, all by myself.

It was pretty therapeutic, actually. To listen to my music, have the windows open, and go wherever I needed to go. Right when I entered the city, though, I was met with a “challenge.” Stopped at a red light, I looked over to see who was in the lane next to me, and saw a man on a motorcycle. He was what I would qualify as “old-elderly,” and he was staring straight at me. Shaking his head. Over and over again, with this disapproving look on his face, while I looked back at him. When the light turned green, I got the heck out of there, kind of reeling from that. Who was he, even?!?! I was totally put off, and angry at him. Who was he to stare at me so judgingly? He knew less than nothing about me, yet he certainly seemed to have an opinion. I had to take a breather and talk myself off a ledge, before deciding that the devil wouldn’t have this day, and I would keep moving. So I did.

I bought some pants at Lululemon when I was visiting in Winnipeg and took them in to get hemmed. The woman helping me get all measured up was super nice to me and kept telling me how great I looked. I know its her job, but she was really good at it, lol! After I was done there, I headed to Superstore.

I warn you again. Everything at Superstore is cute!!! I bought my kids some clothes for winter, and while I so often end up splurging on Laela, I got only one outfit for her, and more for Dekker. The sweaters were sooo soft, and he needed new sweatpants. He has one pair, and they’re 2T. He wears 3T in everything now, so I picked some up. And new socks. It was a good haul.

I ventured into the rest of the store and picked up some groceries for us, and some specific stuff for Laela. Weirdly, I couldn’t find avocados, but I got the normal stuff like bananas, broccoli, and I even bought my first sweet potato. Go me! Hopefully I don’t totally screw it up. In the freezer zone, I discovered a bunch of stuff reduced in price that wasn’t even close to its expiry date! So I stocked up on baby yogurt and cream cheese blocks. Win!

I dropped in on Jerilee at work quickly (I have withdrawal) before hitting up Starbucks and heading home. It was a nice quiet drive home, and I was greeted by my husband and non-sleeping daughter, but a nice quiet house. Dekker was sleeping, and had been for a couple of hours. Brady, Laela, and I hauled off into bed so watch a bit of tv and rest. Laela tried out those Gerber puffs for the first time and fell in love!!!, so that was a nice way to keep her quiet anyway. We tried to nap her again once Dekker woke up, and she was sooo tired, but wouldn’t have it. Poor girl.

We had a bad supper of macaroni, but at least there was a yummy hot veggie mix too! Dekker calls veggies “budgies” which we find makes it waaay yummier somehow. He ate like a champ and Laela loved the broccoli and cauliflower. After dinner, the kids and Brady went downstairs to finish The Lorax while I chatted on the phone with my mom. Around 7:30 we got off the phone and Brady and I got the kids ready for bed.

It was probably the most fun we’ve had at bedtime in a long time. Usually, Dekker requests that Daddy changes him, and that Laela gets changed first. Anything to delay the inevitable, I guess. But today, I carried him and ran to his room, him laughing hysterically the whole way. Once in his room, he exhaustedly shouted “Mommy, change Detter first!” Don’t mind if I do! So we had diaper changes and lots of teasing and kisses and jokes. Until he realized he was without pants. “Detter want pants.”

All the laundry was still downstairs from yesterday (What? People put laundry away?) so instead, I figured we’d try the new sweats I bought him today. They looked pretty massive, but one night in pants that fall down wouldn’t hurt him. I had purchased a two pack so I let him choose his color. He picked blue over grey and we ran back to his room to put them on.

Again – love. He was sooo thrilled! They have a little truck on them, and the best part…wait for it…they have pockets! Everything is made better by pockets. He was thrilled to pieces, which was hilarious, because it affected everything else. Once he was in those pants, he was extra ticklish, extra goofy, and extra fast. It was sooo much fun! Laela was entertained, and obviously, so were Brady and I. The actual process of getting into bed was less fun, but I find if I say my “goodnights” and “I love yous” in funny voices, he recovers pretty quick. He did, and they both went down happy.

All things considered, it was a much better day. I really needed a much better day.

Thanks to all who are praying. Please don’t stop. I’m not all back yet.

I apologize for the scattered nature of yesterdays post. I assure you, I was in no position to sugar coat. My day had been exhausting and emotionally charged. I had a couple friends and close family reach out and check on me, which I really, really appreciated. You know who you are. Thank you. I needed it more than you can know.

Today was still rough, but it was better. I was exhausted, and so were the kids. Laela woke up at 7:07am and cried and cried and cried. When it had been established that she was not going back down, I went in to retrieve her. This normally wakes her brother, but he didn’t even stir. So I snagged Laela and she and I enjoyed a nice breakfast of milk, cereal, and yogurt together. Unfortunately, right before 10:00am, she started screeching. Really loudly. I worked my butt off to keep her entertained and quiet, since our morning never looks like this, and Dekker obviously needed some sleep. Sadly, I snapped at Laela around 10:15. I knew then that I needed to put her down, so I went into their room. Of course, I had woken Dekker and he was nervous of me. It wasn’t my finest morning.

But breakfast with him was nice, and he insisted I get myself some tea. Afterwards, we went downstairs and got laundry started. We played toys and watched some tv and kept a pretty low profile. I spent some time on the phone with my mom, and my sister, and then eventually with Brady over lunch. Laela slept until 1:00pm, which is waaay longer than usual, but again, she obviously needed it. I just figured there was no chance of a joint nap.

But there was! These kids surprise me all the time. I kept Dekker up until 2:30 when I noticed they were both rubbing their eyes and the volume was definitely going up. So I tucked them both into their beds and they slept like logs until around 4:45. Laela got up at that point, and Dekker stayed down until supper. It was a wonderful day for sleep, but we all needed the peace and quiet.

My original plan had been to go to my moms for a visit. My brother, sister in law, and two nephews are staying there for the week, and had invited me for the day so I didn’t have to be on my own. And I really wanted to go. But I knew, just with the way the morning worked and how I was feeling, that a home day was important. So we did that. We slept and were lazy and did some laundry, and thats it. It was the perfect kind of day.

Even better, Brady came home early. The kids were still down and we could just visit for a bit. He helped with the end of the laundry and made supper. It was a really good day, considering how my heart and brain are feeling. It was good. God is good.

I had high expectations for today. Ok, maybe not high, but good. It was our first day back from our holiday. The kids and I were going to run a quick errand in the city, and then be home and lazy for the rest of the day. I thought we could maybe even do a movie afternoon and watch musicals like we do once in a while, do laundry slowly, and then eat really, really yummy food for supper. I know how badly the kids need a normal day.

Before we left for the the city, the kids were in pretty good shape. I mean, I could tell they were overtired so there was that, but really not bad at all. Laela was strumming the return air vent and cut her finger a little, but didn’t even cry. I gave her a wipe to play with and she pretty much cleaned herself up.

Unfortunately, our few hours in the city were terrible for me. I won’t go into detail, but I was pretty shaken up. The kids were fine, it was just me. I’d share more if I didn’t already know I was being irrational. Anyway, I was sooo relieved when the littles slept the whole drive home.

We got home around 12:30 and I got them fed and comfy in the basement. I was unsure what our schedule for the day would look like since they had each had a half hour sleep in the van but thankfully, right around 2:00, they were both whooped and ready for bed.

They ended up sleeping most of the afternoon, which was exactly what I needed. I used that time to cry my face off and blubber and then doze, and then cry some more. Brady and I talked on the phone a bit and I texted some friends, so I was busy enough. But ya, I was sad and emotional and it was sucky.

I was completely unmotivated to do laundry, or any kind of tidying, and I had no appetite for supper either. Lucky for us, the kids were ready for bed on time, so we’ll be in the tub and to bed earlier than usual.

Sorry for the vague and pessimistic post. It was not a shining day for me. But once again, I’m hoping for bigger and better tomorrow. Hopefully I’ll get a few things done, eat more, and cry less. I’m sure I’m not the only one who just completely loses touch with reality once in a while. Right?? Oh gosh, pleeeaaase don’t let me be the only one!

Driving home today, Dekker and I had this beauty of a conversation:

Dekker, is it smelly in here.
Yup!
What does it smell like?
Smells like…. strawberries.
Hmmm. I don’t think so. I think it smells more stinky.
Uh… no.
Ya, I think it does. What does stinky smell like?
Detter!

At least he knows! The nerve of a kid to poop on a travel day. Such is life. The drive was otherwise uneventful. We were all feeling quite tired, and I’ll be the first to admit, I was one of the whiners. I love a good road trip, and the trip was a definite success! But upon arriving home, I flopped down on the bed and barely lifted my head until it was time to get the kids to bed.

Kidlets were happy to be home for sure, and played their fair share in the living room before becoming very sad when the dreaded (and much anticipated) 8:00pm came.

All this said, I am sleepy and want a bath. So I leave you with pictures of our trip!! They are mostly of my children and food. Enjoy! I sure did.

For the first time ever, we could NOT keep Dekker out of the water! Not even long enough to get him into swim stuff!

Swimming with Uncle Stefan aka Stefit.

Hahaha! Conveniently censored picture 🙂 I’m pretty sure Dekker is pouring a watering can over his little man parts, lol!

Lounging Laela

While visiting with some of our dear friends, their seven year old son befriended Dekker. He had the BEST Dekker radar we’ve ever seen, and gave him tons of space, ever so slowly engaging him. By the time we left, Nick had showed Dekker his room and all of his toys, read to him, and played trucks with him. It melted my heart to hear them conversing and sharing. Best. Kids. Ever.

The kind of snacks we were fed day in and day out. The fanciest kind of crackers and cheese ever. Who would have ever put jalapeño cheese and strawberry jam together?!

Auntie Caity keeping Laela company during her lunch

These two 🙂 I adore them. Check out Dekker’s tongue and Laela’s toes. They did great together.

She looks sooo much like my mom here!! See it, mom? She has grandma Jeanne written all over her!

Considerably less fancy but equally as delicious food. Pretzelman, why aren’t you here with me always?!

Hahaha, lunch with Caity 🙂 Deliciously bad food.

Dekker was completely enamoured with “Puppy Maybe” and by the end, he wanted to see her close up. He never did work up the courage to touch her, but her threw her ball a few times and watched her lick Laela.

On the way home!!! While everyone was still happy, lol! YAY!

As I mentioned earlier, I just wanted to lay in bed upon getting home. While I was being a big baby, Dekker came over and climbed into bed with me. I took advantage of the photo opportunity, obviously, and just after this, Deks leaned over, gave me a kiss, and then left. Cute little boy lifted my mood. I knew he was extra tired too, but if he could pull out some smiles, so could I!

Even knowing I should have a good attitude, we did arrive home to no hot water, so thats a bit of a bummer 🙁 Hopefully the water heater resets in enough time for me to have my long awaited bubble bath!!

Sleep deep, all! Until next time.

No, I did not search to purchase a new sister today. In fact, after a big breakfast and getting ready, my very own sister and I went shopping for the afternoon. Our lovely men kept the kids occupied and alive while we entertained ourselves and hit the box stores, and then a mall.

I won’t lie. Our first few places were pretty sad and unsuccessful. I say “sad” completely loosely, mostly because I can’t think of the right word. I would say “disappointing” but we were having lots of fun being together and it didn’t feel like a loss or anything.

I finally found a few things, and Caity found one perfect shirt. I had a really fun shop at Lululemon and picked up a few things that I think will last for a good long while. We also treated ourselves to soft pretzels and cheese sauce, and some frozen lemonade. I can’t tell you why, but the soft pretzel market has not been tapped in Saskatoon. Therefore, every time we’re in Winnipeg, I anticipate a soft pretzel, covered in butter and chunky salt, dipped in cheese. I wish I could have them more often, but I appreciate them a lot when their time comes!

We had some delicious Chinese take out for supper, and put the kids down a bit after their bedtime. Dekker proceeded to talk about cars and racing an Barney and who knows what else for a solid hour, if not two. He had a loaded day as well, playing in the pool on the deck with Laela, playing basketball, and making sure “Puppy Maybe” was always watching. Best kids ever.

After several Mario Kart cups, and a big helping of queso, it is definitely time for bed. Or at least a bit of Netflix. We have to be grown ups and travel home tomorrow. And then Brady really has to be a grown up and go back to work!!! Better get some rest! Looking forward to a photo post either tomorrow or the next day 🙂

Sleep deep, all! Sorry for all the super late posts. Thems the family time!

The four of us visited with our dear friends, Cody and Jessica, this morning, as well as their two boys. We had never met the younger one before, and after a bit of a rocky start, Dekker took to him beautifully!! Us adults could catch up a bit while The boys shared an arm chair and Nick read Dekker books. He also showed Dekker around his room and shared his trucks with him. We have so rarely had another child take the time to let Dekker warm up the way he did. For a first meeting, he had a great radar for Dekker, and they got along incredibly well. On the drive home, Dekker slept for about five minutes before popping up and announcing “Detter having fun play with Nit. See Nit gain!” It was a HUGE win! What a great morning!

The kids were wiped out though, and needed naps. Since they had both dozed a bit on the drive home, it was a rough go getting them down. Dekker finally gave in, but Laela fought pretty hard. I don’t think she ever slept. So eventually she joined us adults outside on the deck for happy hour. Drinks, tanning, and wading pools 🙂 Once I’m home, I’ll make a photo post. There are lots of good pictures of the fun we had, the sun we got, and the snacks we devoured. One thing we can always count on when we come here is fancy cheese. Sooo delicious.

Another thing I can always count on is white short. I mean the shorty little white shorts that come when you sunburn your legs sooo badly while wearing booty short bathing suit bottoms. I will own them, though. I always know they’re coming, and I make less than zero effort to prevent them. I am paper white 360 days of the year, so I dream of having color on my skin. But I always leave myself in the sun too long, past the point of no return. Luckily, as of right now, I’m not in any pain, so hopefully I didn’t actually burn burn, but just got subtly toasty.

We celebrated my birthday this evening with my meal of choice – mashed potatoes and barbecued chicken. I love that meal. The kids went to bed fairly quickly after supper, and we ate a raspberry cheesecake trifle outside by the fire. Unbelievable, right?? It was awesome, and very quickly, it was 1:00am. So, sorry about the late post, but I am cramming in as much family time as I can get my hands on!

Tomorrow – shopping and take out!!! Can’t wait!

Today was unlike any other for Mr. Dekker Thomas. He found his niche out here. And that just happens to be in the dogs paddling pool, on the deck, naked.

I believe I’ve mentioned in the past that Dekker likes neither water nor being naked. However, a beautiful white shade was set up on the deck, with a pool and toys nearby. We didn’t think he’d ever actually get in the water, but thought he might play with the toys from beside the pool. However, he was intrigued and kept asking. Brady asked my thoughts and I said he could get undressed and check it out if he wanted to, but not to worry about a swim diaper or anything, since he would never get in.

And the next thing I knew, I saw my little boy completely in the nude, sitting in the pool playing. He had no concept of fear or discomfort. Stefan had filled the pool with nice warm water instead of icy cold like paddling pools tend to have, and he had boats and shovels and a water gun and all kinds of things to play with!!! The boys hung out (lol) outside while Caity and I made roll kuchen for lunch. It was my first time rolling it out and actually preparing it, and it really turned out, if I can be so bold!! Two of my cousins came over to enjoy lunch with us on the deck as well. Dekker had donned shorts and a swim diaper by that point, but ate a few roll kuchen before thanking Caity for lunch and asking to go back to the toys. Laela even ate a roll kuchen! I wish I had pictures. It was delicious and sunny and wet and fun. What a great afternoon!

I see much of the same happening tomorrow in the evening, if weather permits. We’re going to visit our very good friends in the morning/early afternoon, and will likely spend the rest of the day on the deck in the yard, giggling at Dekkers freedom and then immediate fear of Laelas mobility. Its really quite a sight.

We have arrived!!! We left home around 8:30 this morning at made it to my sister and brother in laws acreage around 6:00, or 7:00 their time. We had the perfect supper together of macaroni and chicken fingers, which made Dekker very, very happy. The kids spread the toys out and made themselves comfortable, while the rest of us visited and caught up and settled in.
The kids went down pretty hard, but finally sleep won, and the four of us could enjoy ourselves out on the deck with dessert and drinks. It was a great evening, and were all already tired and ready to tuck in.
I hope you all enjoy your weeks doing whatever you’re doing. For your sakes, I hope you’re all in birthday trips, because they are awesome!!