I’m thoroughly enjoying having Brady home this week <3 Yes, obviously it is LOVELY having him around to help with the kids and the house, but we’re also just having fun spending more time together than usual! We’re watching movies, making plans, and talking LOTS. Its been super refreshing and I’ve truly loved it. Granted, again, I could be feeling refreshed because he’s been letting me sleep in the last few days, but also, its just nice to be together in the day.

Today was our one day this weekend with nothing planned. Therefore, the highlight of my day was this afternoon. Brady and I played Dance Dance Revolution on the wii, and it was SO FUN! We both worked up really good sweats and laughed our way through a good handful of songs. We collapsed at the end, despite the kids calling to continue dancing. Maybe tomorrow, because honestly, it was a ton of fun, and a surprisingly good workout! Perhaps it could become a daily routine 🙂

Since then, though, it seems as though the children are just about ready to explode at any moment without warning. Its not been the smoothest evening, so they may have to hit the hay earlier than their already early bedtime. Sometimes thats just the case around here. He can try for all we’re worth to please them and keep them up until their bedtime, but as soon as they’re tucked in, even if they’re awake, they’re calm and relaxed. Thats just going to be their reality today.

And because of the spontaneously combustable kids, our plan for after they go to bed will be supper and winding down, because we are not quite able to do those things just yet. But this little blog break has been nice 🙂 Thanks for giving me an excuse to disappear for a minute or two! And thanks, Brady, for entertaining the kids again. I love you much.

Our family went to my parents for supper this evening, but we arrived in the late afternoon and stayed until around 7:00. We usually leave a bit earlier, just to keep going with the kids bedtime and such, but today was a special day. Today, my grandma was out visiting 🙂

As I’m sure you can guess, my kids are fairly shy. But my grandma has a FABULOUS radar for them. She speaks to them lovingly, and is never offended or hurt if they don’t respond. She gives them space, while making sure they know how much she loves them. Dekker was pretty quiet around her most of our visit, but Laela’s shyness turned to peeking at her from behind chairs. It soon became sitting on my lap, right next to great grandma, and then onto greetings and little words and showing off her tricks. Grandma would always ask before making a move, and the kids appreciated that very much. They were never startled by her, which is a huge quality that not all people understand. So many of us get right in kids faces, with the best of intentions, but not all kids respond well to that. My kids do not, and my grandma was so sensitive to it.

We ate pizza for supper and ice cream for dessert, and the kids ate really well. I can’t blame them. It was homemade pizza!!! We all had a really nice visit and ate an absurd amount. At least I did. I’m still full. We couldn’t stay too long after supper, though. After yet another stupid water debacle out here, we needed to grab one more dispenser jug, plus a few other things. Spider spray, another pack or two of flushable wipes, sour cream, etc. But before we could go, we suited everyone up and said our goodbyes. The kids all maintained that they were too shy of great grandma, but I picked Laela up and asked “Can great grandma have a kiss?” Laela replied “ya,” so I held her up to my grandma and they both went right in!! I was so thrilled! Dekker still wouldn’t have it, but again, my grandma totally understood and didn’t make me feel bad or like my kids were rude. Quite the contrary. She was full of encouragement and praise for how fabulous our kids were. Its so humbling to hear that from someone like my grandma. I’m feeling very blessed and loved today.

After a quick trip in to the city, we made it home and tucked everyone in. Dekker was pretty grouchy going down but Laela and Rowan were both happy as clams. Laela was so comfy, all tucked in, and Rowan ate like a champ before getting all wrapped up and having a giggle fest all by himself, lol, without any help from us!! I hope Dekker feels better in the morning 🙂 I missed him this evening.

Tomorrow we have a quiet home day planned, and I am SO looking forward to the lack of plan/responsibility. It’ll be nice to just spend time without any deadlines.

And WITH running water!

This morning, I knew exactly what I wanted to blog about. My Facebook brought up my posts from this day last year, and today was the day I took Brady on a surprise trip to Las Vegas 🙂 So much fun was being had at this time last year!! Laela was a week or two away from walking on her own, which was also pretty significant for us. Good times, definitely.

But as this evening has come on, I have something entirely different to write about. Rowan. Rowan and his ridiculous feedings.

Rowan was an ok eater at the beginning of his life. He never cared too much to cuddle and fall asleep drinking his milk. It wasn’t a comfort thing for him, really. It was eating to keep himself alive and his tummy comfy, but that was it, as far as we could tell. In the last few months, though, he has become a total disaster to feed. Loving friends and family have tried, but getting more than four ounces into him at once was a big challenge. People would pass him back after less than two ounces and insist that he was full. But we knew him, and knew how much he COULD eat. In the middle of the night, when he’s sleeping through his bottles, he will eat eight to ten ounces. It is SO frustrating. If he would eat those big feedings in the day, he’d likely be sleeping through the night without a problem. So needless to say, we’ve been struggling.

Only within the last couple of days have I started to get an itch that maybe I need to be concerned. Some babies have reflux, and throw up a ton. But did you know there is a thing called “silent reflux,” where they feel all the same things – the acid, the burning, the sick tummy – but they don’t throw up? It can sit unnoticed for a while, but babies that are born with it are usually diagnosed with it within the first two months. I added up a lot of the symptoms I was seeing in Rowan, and it seemed pretty possible. He was very hungry, but upon laying him back and putting the bottle in his mouth, he would scream and wail and fight to the death NOT to drink his bottle. If we could get him to drink, it was around four ounces before he would have a total throw down that he couldn’t come down from. Would. Not. Do. It. That paired with lots of other little symptoms made me really worried. I lost some sleep over it last night, anticipating todays appointment with Dr. Mike. I hoped to God that he would tell me I was barking up the wrong tree and send me on my way.

*** Side note: Just because I’m confident some people are thinking it, we have no changed bottles or formula ever along the way. He doesn’t hate his bottle or his milk. Trust me, I know.

When we got into Dr. Mikes office, he started with Rowan. Brady and I were there for treatments as well, thanks to the laundry machine debacle, but Rowan was new, so he started there. He asked lots of questions and didn’t downplay my worries. He did encourage me, though, not to go to the weirder ideas before we’ve ruled out all of the common ones. He had a nice way of making me feel heard but comfortable.

He immediately went to Rowans face and played with him a little bit. Rowan has juuust started to occasionally make strange, but he loved Dr. Mike! It did my heard good to see him laugh through his entire treatment. We’ve taken all of our kids to Dr. Mike at one point or another, and he is SO gentle. He has always been able to sort of gently squeeze/massage parts of their backs to help them back into place, but my goodness, Rowan CRACKED. Not in a bad way AT ALL, but in a very significant way. Rowan thought it was hilarious, and laughed. Dr. Mike was happy too 🙂 He handed him back to us.

I was relieved and saddened when he told us Rowans back is basically a mess. In between his shoulder blades was rock hard, he said, and he was incredibly twisted one way. He said its not new, so he’s likely been in some form of pain or discomfort for a few months now. I felt guilty that I didn’t think to take him in sooner, but I know I can’t waste a ton of time being sorry. We can just move on and get him all fixed up.

When he was handed back to me, he was SO floppy! His body is so loose! He’s not turned or stiff or anything! I’m actually a bit shocked. What I thought was him having epic muscle tone was actually a knotted back. Apparently he doesn’t have much muscle tone at all, haha! At least not from what I can tell right now.

Since bringing Rowan home, I fed him a nice big bottle. He didn’t finish it quite, but he didn’t fight it. At the end, when he spat it out, I tried to offer it back, just in case, like always. Usually that throws him into an epic meltdown and he screams and knocks the bottle out of my hand and everyone gets covered in milk and its just really frustrating for all involved. But tonight, he just looked at me, smiled, and pushed it back out of his mouth with his little tongue. No fight, no crying. Just no more milk. SO MUCH BETTER. So not that it needs to be said, but he will be seeing Dr. Mike again very soon, and we will be changing a few little things that are maybe encouraging him to be a little one-sided, so to speak. I hope and pray that he continues to get better. I sure wish I had thought of Dr. Mike treating Rowan sooner, but I’m very glad we thought of it now.

Brady has a bit of time off this month, so it was REALLY nice to have him home for a chunk of the day. Kim and her boys came over, and we all spent a bit of time together. Brady did a few things to finish up, so he got the washer drain attached and ran a cleaning cycle. He then pulled the drum out of the old dryer, and loaded the old machines into his van. He took a drive to the city to dump them off and bring his tools home, while picking up a few groceries and a round of coffees as well. He came home with drinks and spent the rest of the afternoon hanging out with Kim and I and the six kids. I always really like that 🙂 So rarely does Brady get to be home in the day, so he doesn’t see our friends as much as I do. I like it when he can finally socialize in the day. And her boys love him. Ok, they really love his hair…

After a really lovely visit (as always) with Kim and her family, they headed home for the evening. We haven’t accomplished too much since. I wiped out the dryer and the outsides of both machines so they are READY to be used tomorrow!! At least in the morning/afternoon. Brady and I are both aching, and I’m thinking Rowan actually needs to see a chiropractor, so off to Dr. Mike we go!! But first, laundry, eating, naps, and THEN an evening appointment. I hope he can fix all of us!

I’m anticipating this week, having Brady home and doing a few things as a family 🙂 I like our family. Good thing, lol!

We picked up some new (to us) laundry machines on Friday, and they’ve been hanging out in Bradys van since then. We reached out in town for someone to help us get the old ones out and the new ones in, but no one could help. So today, we figured we’d do them ourselves. It wasn’t the smartest move, really. I pushed it WAY too hard, and am now dizzy and sore and really, really feeling it. Moving four machines up and down a narrow flight of 14 stairs is a huge job. It helps that the machines look good! They need a good clean up, but I’m not too worried about that at all. Happy to do it. Not today, because I hurt too much, but maybe tomorrow evening when my body has loosened back up.

All of that aside, I want to put something out there that I’m excited about! My dear friend, Jerilee, sells Mary Kay, and is about to have an exciting month!! ONE HUNDRED PERCENT of her sales will be donated to the Saskatoon cancer clinic!!! This is her sales only, keep in mind 😀 If you’d like any more info, or to show your support for the cause she is fighting for, her website is http://www.marykay.ca/jerileewright.

Thats all for me for today. I’m bushed and achy. I hear muscle tone is a thing…..

No, I don’t mean the Christian boy band. I mean that I was Jerilee’s date to a wedding reception this evening! Brady and I had been in the city with the kids in the morning already, but once we got home, we relaxed a little bit before I got ready and headed back out. It was fun to get all dressed up and ready to go out, but the weather was not the most cooperative! It was pouring rain the entire evening!! Thankfully, I love the rain, so it wasn’t too terribly off putting.

Jerilee and I sat with a table full of people that we didn’t know who didn’t know each other, and we actually had a really awesome time. They were all super fun people, and conversation never ran out. We ate well, supper and desserts. There was to be a dance after the meal, but we didn’t stay. Once supper and speeches were done, it was after 9:00, and we are old, and don’t stay out very late too often.

Instead, we drove back to her place and chatted in the van for a while. I like when we get wrapped up in conversation and lose track of time together. I feel like we haven’t just sat and talked in quite some time. Hopefully Friday, right, friend?

The drive home felt long, because it was POURING and dark, and the highway was particularly reflective. Just not a good night for being able to see super clearly. But I got home safe and sound! Brady was feeling so good after having a really nice evening with the kids. A successful, tear-free bath is always a win with the little ones 🙂 Rowan can finally sit in a bath seat, so he likes baths a lot more now. It was nice to come home to stories and pictures and videos of my happy, wet children. It’ll be good to cuddle them tomorrow morning, rain or shine, as always.

It was a really, really fun evening!! Kim and I had, once again, scheduled a shopping date. We did some fast food and headed over to our favorite shopping location – Value Village. We usually get there around 7:00pm and are there pretty much until closing. We are thorough shoppers. But it pays off! We come out with wonderful purchases for incredible deals every single time.

A special thing that I was able to experience today was Kim laughing until she cried. And I don’t mean this in a soft, sweet memory we’ll share forever. Its more like she was trying to make a dirty joke that was too funny to say, and she was keeled over, hyperventilating, weeping, trying desperately to get the words out! I laughed at her and physically held her up until she could get it together, and MY GOSH, it was sooo funny!!! It was a special experience 🙂 I’m happy I got to be part of it. Also, I’m glad she didn’t pee her pants like I thought she might…

We made our few purchases, grabbed some Starbucks, and went to park and have a date. I know, lots of people sit in coffee shops. But we bring her little baby boy, and if he’s happily asleep in his car seat, we don’t mess with that. Too keep with our quirky traditions, we parked under what I like to think of as “our tree” in the Costco parking lot, drank our coffee, and talked. We love shopping and playing with our kids and all of the things we do together, but this has got to be a favorite for me. We love visiting. Its so nice, and came so easy for us. Its been so easy from the beginning.

I brought Kim home way later than usual (whoops!) but we’re big girls without bedtimes, so its ok. I can’t believe its already midnight, but my husband still managed to run me a glorious bath, and its time I get into it and soak myself to sleep.

Its been a fabulous evening, and tomorrow is going to be SO FUN too!!! Going to a wedding as Jerilee’s plus one 😀 I haven’t been to a wedding in SO LONG, and we haven’t gotten together outside of the house in a super long time either! I can’t wait to date her and dance with her and spend some girl time with her!! When was the last time we hung out without kids?!?! I can’t even remember!! Its about time!

I carried Rowan out of our room and snuck Dekker out of his room to use the bathroom before breakfast…

Dekker: Oh! Ha! I just love Ro. He has such cute little jammies. Oh mommy, look at those flowers! They’re Laelas. They’re so beautiful for her.
Me: Wow, you seem to be in a great mood this morning! Did you have a good sleep?
D: Ya, I really did! Did you have a good sleep too, mommy?
M: Yes, I did. Rowan slept well.
D: Good job sleeping so well, Ro!
Ro: *stares* *”flaps*
D: I’m going to just go to the bathroom. Its ok, I can go by myself.
M: Ok, thats great! Just let me know if you need anything.

After a while…

D: Is that Laela? I think she’s awake! Maybe you should get her please mommy?
M: You want to finish up your breakfast with Laela?
D: Ya, she is so beautiful.

The second the bedroom door opens…

D: HI LAELA!
Laela: HIIIYEEE ‘KER!
D: I LOVE YOU, LAELA!
L: IEEOO ‘KER!
D: COME HAVE BREAKFAST WITH ME, LAELA!
L: YA!

Breakfast finishes…

D: Thank you for making me breakfast, mommy. Can I get down please?
M: You’re welcome, sweets. Of course you can get down.
D: Oh. Thank you. (takes his dishes to the sink.
L: All done! Ee? (please)
M: Sure Laela, you can get down too.
L: (brings her spoon to the sink)
M: (gets up from the table to rescue Ro from his high chair)
L: (pushes in my chair)
M: Thank you, Laela! You beat me to that.
D: We should all go downstairs now. Here, mommy. I’ll carry the bottle and your phone charger and these toys and is there anything else I can carry for you, mommy?
M: Nope. I think you’ve done enough. Thank you so much for all of your help.
D: (shakes his head) You’re so sweet, mommy.

These kids, tho…

If you’ve followed this blog for a while, or my Facebook, or wherever else, you probably know that this is my go-to picture when I think about Laela’s birth:

This is a loaded picture. Yes, I’m a smiling mother holding her brand new, crying infant daughter. All of that adds up. But you can also see that I’m not quite right. I’m not all there.

Laela’s birth is a very big event in my life, as are all my kids births, but yes, Laela’s was scary in a very different way. I read back to the post before Laela’s birthday last year, and I can remember feeling all of those feelings very very vividly. I’m thrilled to say that I’m even further past that point today. I didn’t fear how I would feel today. I feel totally blown away by my daughter and who she is, and who she is becoming.

Brady took the day off to spend some extra time with the family on such a special day as Laela’s birthday. We spent a lazy morning, and after nap time, got the kids dressed up a bit and gave Laela some presents. She got a fuzzy pink blanket for her bed, and two stuffed dollies, Anna and Elsa, from Frozen. I’m pleasantly surprised that she, like me, seems to like Anna better. Whats all the fuss about with Elsa anyway?? Anyway, she brought she “babies” along to the city for the evening, as I had suspected she might 🙂 It was super adorable.

We met my parents at Fuddruckers for supper, which was so yummy, and a lot of fun. We actually all hung out around the van afterwards and watched Laela open her presents from my parents. She got a sweet little tent/playhouse, a bracelet, and a puzzle. I can promise you she will love all of those things. We did a quick run into Superstore, and then were about to head home when I had one last idea!!

I took Laela into Costco and bought her some flowers. Now, for any hypothetical men reading this, NO. Women do not want to choose their own flowers. BUT a little girl really likes it 🙂 She perused the whole section, did a couple of laps, and settled on her favorites. It was so cute. She and I (and Anna) had a lovely little flower date.

After lots and lots and lots of good snuggles, I almost didn’t want to put her to bed. I could carry that girl all day long. But she now has the comfiest bed possible, and had no trouble laying down for night 🙂

Laela, you make me speechless. I hope, one day, to be able to tell you how much you melt me. I adore you. Thank you for adding so much flavor and richness to my life.

Love,
Mommy

I have to write another potty post because I am just SO proud of Dekker! I know some of you are probably over hearing about this stuff, and thats fine, but its a big part of our life, so thats what you’re getting 🙂 And for those of you who are NOT bored it, thanks! We’re excited about the progress.

Yesterday, Brady went to our storage container to dig out the footstool we used to have in our bathroom. In his search, he actually came across two footstools, as well as another potty seat. He brought them all home and we got the whole place set up. We now have a potty seat and a footstool at each toilet.

Today, Dekker has been loving the footstools. I can tell he’s feeling more independent, which is always a positive thing. But he still needs backup, which is completely fine.

I went upstairs at once point to get ready to go out. Brady and I both needed to see our chiropractor BADLY. So I went upstairs to put on a little bit of makeup and change my clothes. After maybe ten minutes, I heard Dekker call from downstairs “I poooooped!” I immediately felt drained. I knew it was a risk leaving him alone, but I wanted to give him a chance to do well. I didn’t want to deal with a poop accident either.

Maybe you can guess, but Dekker had NOT had an accident. He had gotten himself to the bathroom, got his pants and underwear down, got up onto the toilet, and used the bathroom ALL BY HIMSELF!! Not only was it his first solo bathroom visit, but it was a poop one!!! We celebrated SO MUCH, and he was completely thrilled!! I was so impressed 🙂 Suddenly my boy is getting braver.

We went to the city for a mid-afternoon chiro appointment for both Brady and I, which was a definitely need at this point. For the first time ever, really, Brady was in ok shape and just needed some maintenance, and I got in trouble for waiting too long between visits. As I lay on his table, Dr Mike loomed over my face and boomed “Two and a half months is TOO LONG.” Yup, now I know. I learned my lesson. That was a painful but productive appointment.

We grabbed some Pizza Hut for supper, and now the kids are all down for the night 🙂 It was really a fabulous day. This is just all you’re getting for today. Time to wrap some little gifties for Laela before her SECOND BIRTHDAY tomorrow!!!!!