Today is Emerson's 2nd birthday!! We had such a great day!! This morning the kids slept in (thank you, thank you, thank you!!) and when we were all up and moving Em opened her gifts from us, Blake and Reese. Of course, Blake was very helpful :) Then we headed to Servus Place! We went swimming, Grandma D joined us, had lunch at Booster Juice and played in the play gym. The kids had lots of fun, they sure love swimming!! It was Reese's first time in the pool and she loved it. Kicked her legs happily :)
While Emerson and Reese were napping, Cal and Blake went out to Saiker's Acres to check out the World's Longest Hockey Game. And I got ready for Em's birthday dinner! Cal's Dad and my parents came over later in the afternoon for dinner and cupcakes! Emerson enjoyed playing with Grandpa Bruce and Grandma and Grandpa D! Not to mention Gabe ... she sure loves Gabe (Bruce's dog!)!!!! While singing happy birthday to Emerson, she sang happy birthday to Dad!! So, so cute! Grandma captured it on video, I'll have to upload it! I can't believe Emerson and Blake went to bed so well after consuming all that sugar less then one hour before their bed time, but all the activities of the day tired them out, I'm sure :)
We're hosting a "kids" birthday party for Emerson on Sunday at Dynamyx Gymnastics Club in St. Albert. She's excited to wear her new gymnastics clothes that Grandma and Grandpa gave her for her birthday! She modeled them tonight and even showed us some moves ;) I'm really looking forward to it - Emerson loves her gymnastics class and will be excited to be there with her friends!!!
On one hand, it is hard to believe our dear Emerson is 2 years old today. On the other hand, she seems older then 2! As I've often said, her vocabulary is exceptional for her age! Not to mention her comprehension!! She's a smart little girl, that's for sure :) She has taught us so much in her short 2 years and I can only imagine what's to come! Her beautiful, bright, 1 dimpled smile melts our hearts. She gives the best hugs and kisses and to hear her ask for a hug and a kiss, once again ... melts our hearts! She is undeniably a Daddy's girl, but is full of love for Mom too! It is also so obvious how much she loves her big brother and little sister. We were worried she would be jealous of her new sibling, but she hasn't shown any signs of jealousy at all and loves to give Reese hugs and kisses and is so concerned when she is crying ;) Thank you for bringing so much joy and love to our lives Emerson and keeping each day interesting!! We love you more then you can know and can't wait to see what your 3rd year brings!!!
xoxo Mom and Dad
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Family Update :)
Reese ... Reese will be 3 months old in 1 week!! SO hard to believe that 3 months have passed by already :S We have Canadian Baby photographers coming this week (Blake and Em had these pics done at 3 months too!!) Reese weighed 10 lbs on Monday and is now fitting into more clothes!! She grew out of her preemie clothes, in length, and has been spending most of her time in sleepers! But her pants are starting to fit, although still a bit loose in the waist. It's funny how when you dress a baby in "real" clothes they look so much older. As quick as Reese's unsettled nights started, they seem to have ended. (Knock on wood, cross your fingers, cross your toes, say a little prayer!!) She is much more settled at night then she has been the past few weeks and is spending more time in her own bed. Although I enjoy snuggling up to her, I do get a much better sleep when she's in her bed! And I think Cal does too! I hope her tummy troubles don't start again. Reese is very, very smiley and very, very talkative! I think she's getting a head start, because she knows she's going to have to fight to get a word in with Blake and Emerson in the house!!! It's so fun to have "conversations" with her and I love how she "talks" to her toys or her reflection in the mirror :)
Emerson ... Em seems to be over her crying fits at night (once again ... knock on wood, cross your fingers, cross your toes, say a little prayer!!)! I'm not sure if it was her ear infection or not, I did take her to the medicentre and was told the ear infection was still present, but that the antibiotics still work in the body up to 7 days after the last dose, so we didn't get a new prescription. I think it was more an attention thing! At any rate, we're glad she's feeling better and hope she's back to her wonderful sleep habits!!! Emerson cracks us up on a daily basis ... I can't imagine this girl at 16!! She will certainly give us a run for our money ... ;) She is a little firecracker!! I love how she sings and dances and can talk so well! It is easy to forget that she isn't quite 2 yet! Today as we left the RV show, Cal said, "Let's rock and roll guys!" Em replied, "I don't want to rock and roll!!" LOL! If you know her, you can imagine it and find it funny!!! Her tone of voice was priceless :) She's turned into quite the social butterfly and loves "Come Play With Me" at the YMCA! Circle time is her favorite and she knows all the songs and actions! Sometimes I am sitting against the wall feeding Reese when circle time begins, but Em doesn't mind ... she takes up her spot in the centre of the circle and sings and dances her heart out!! She also loves doing the crafts, most especially anything that involves gluing! I've often thought I should give her a glue stick and a pile of paper one day at home! I think that would keep her busy for hours!!! We're looking forward to celebrating Emerson's 2nd birthday this week! Wednesday we're going swimming in the morning and in the evening Grandma and Grandpa D and Grandpa Bruce are coming over for supper and cupcakes! Then on Sunday we are having a more "kid friendly" birthday party at Dynamyx Gymnastics Club in St. Albert. This is where Emerson goes to gymnastics and she loves it there, so we thought it would be a great place for her party!! 
Blake ... today at swimming lessons, Blake got the green light to move on to the next swimming level :) He is now moving on to Floaters! Each level has certain skills you need to do before you can move on. In Bobbers, the most important "skill" is bobbing your head in the water! In Floaters, it is floating unassisted! Way to go Blake!!! We're so proud of you :) Blake is growing like a weed! He's moved into size 5 pants. He's one of the youngest kids in his preschool class, but one of the biggest! And he has the growing pains to go with all the growing ... poor guy. Almost weekly, he complains of pains in his legs :S We give him a hot water bottle to help out and sometimes put Deep Cold on the muscle that he says is aching (usually behind his knee). Blake had a blast on Thursday when his buddy Nicholas came over to visit!! He loves playing with Nicholas and on Wednesday when I told him Nicholas was coming over for a visit tomorrow he said, "I haven't seen Nicholas in a long time. I kind of miss him!" Awe :) They play so good together! Cal ... Happy Birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday to our fabulous Dad and husband :) February 11th was Cal's 32nd birthday! We had a great day at the RV show!! Cal went to work early in the a.m. and then the kids and I picked him up and went to the RV show. We go every year and pick out our next RV!! This year there were quite a few we liked! After the RV show Cal took Blake to swimming and I made dinner for us and my parents. Blake and Emerson were quite excited about cake and did a very cute rendition of Happy Birthday! I've never posted a video before, but here is a video :
Last week I asked Blake and Emerson what they would like to get Cal for his birthday. Blake furrowed his brow and thought for a second and then told me he'd like to get Dad 3 pucks for his birthday! I asked him why and he said he'd like to get Dad pucks for their back yard rink that they're going to have next year :) I thought it was so adorable that Blake had put some thought into what he wanted to get his Dad for his birthday!! When we were at the mall this week, we made sure to stop at Sport Chek and get the pucks! Blake seemed very proud of himself and his gift! And keeping with my "no buying cards" resolution, we had fun making a card for Dad! Cal's pretty busy at work, although it may not always appear that way, he actually does get busy!! He does a lot of work from home in the evenings after the kids have gone to bed and goes to work very early (which also ensures him free parking!), which we're thankful for, as he is home from work earlier and able to take time off when we need or even sometimes when we want :) This week he's working Monday, so he can take Wednesday off for Em's birthday! Tomorrow Blake and Emerson are going for a sleep over at Grandma and Grandpa's so I can take Cal for a birthday dinner out - he chose Red Lobster! Y-U-M-M-Y!!!!
ME ... I'm good! Still tired, but one of these nights I'm going to go to bed when Reese does and see how I feel in the morning!! I'm loving being home with the kids and there isn't a day that I wish I was at work!!! We have a lot of fun most days :) There are days when I could use a break though and I look forward to being able to go for a hair cut or perhaps a massage!! Lately I'm finding I really don't have anything to talk about other then my kids! Which makes it hard to relate to some people sometimes and I think sometimes they find it hard to relate to me! But you know what, they're my life right now!!! They're my "job"!! And it won't always be this way ... time passes so fast and before I know it, they will all be in school :S Crazy to think that at this time next year we'll be registering Blake for kindergarten! I've started a little business venture, called "Cameron's Closet." It's an online, Facebook consignment store. I came across numerous consignment stores on Facebook and thought I should try my hand at it! I noticed there are a lot of these stores in Leduc and South Edmonton, but not many in North Edmonton. So far I've sold a few items and have listed 2 consignors items. And I have 5 other people who say they have items for me! Hopefully I'll be build my "friends" list up and business will pick up :) So far it's been fun getting everything set up and my sister made me this great logo:
I hope you're having a great weekend and maybe enjoying some outdoor activities, seeing as our weather is looking up for the next few days!!
Take care,
Tracy
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Ready for summer
I am ready for this weather to END. I don't remember feeling this way in previous years, but I suppose it could have something to do with the massive amount of snow we've had this year?! I actually enjoy winter to a certain degree and can't see myself living somewhere that doesn't get snow. But this year, at this point in time, I've had enough!! The City was supposed to clear our neighbourhood streets yesterday, however it did not get done. They are at it today, but I heard from a neighbour they are not hauling the snow away. So really, it's not much better. I guess some of the ruts are gone ...
We're having some rough times here in our house ... Emerson's ear infection doesn't seem to be clearing up. Amoxicillin has cleared up her last ear infections, but I guess maybe she needs a stronger antibiotic this time. Depends on the bug ... some are resistant and I think this might be one of those! She's been on it for 7 days. I know sometimes it takes awhile for the fluid in the ears to totally be absorbed, but I've made her a pediatrician appointment for Friday, in case it isn't better yet. She's been crying at night and maybe this is why?? I hope so anyways ... I think it's hard on Blake when she cries out, I feel bad for him. At times it's hard to remember that he's not even 4 yet and might not always understand what's going on and why his sister is crying. He's a pretty sensitive little guy and it bothers him :S We asked him if he wants to move into Reese's room, but he doesn't. And Em doesn't want him to move either. Kinda cute how they like sharing a room, but not so cute when they get each other all worked up ... When Em cries and then Blake starts crying, it makes Em cry even longer and harder and a vicious cycle begins until we settle Blake down!! OY!
And now Reese isn't doing great in the sleep department either! Well, I guess I shouldn't say that. It's really just a few hours at night - she's napping pretty good during the day and once I get her to sleep at night she sleeps great, but ever since her cold it's been tough to get her to sleep at night. She's having a fussy period between 10 pm and 2 am for the past week or so. So by the time she goes to bed and then the other two are up at 6 or so, I'm not getting much sleep. Reese still wants nothing to do with the soother. I think I'll stop trying! It just ticks her off!! She is sucking her fist though, so maybe she'll be a thumb sucker. Blake took a soother when we offered it to him at 6 weeks and Emerson starting sucking her thumb at 8 weeks. Reese is almost 12 weeks ... we need to find some sort of self soothing "tool" other then nursing!! Not possible for me to soothe her 24/7 with 2 other kids!! Other then that Reese is doing good! She has so many big, big smiles and is cooing and talking lots :) We LOVE her smiles, they light up her entire face!! So adorable!
We all went to Blake's hockey practice on Saturday! I was great to watch him and see him participate in all the drills!! He's come A LONG WAY since September!! It's amazing! He is a funny guy though - always thinking and planning! Even at hockey ;) Cal said when they were doing a pylon drill (skating around the pylons basically) Blake would go to the 1st one, stop, count how many pylons were left, go to the next one, etc., etc. until he was at the last one! And as other skaters would pass him, he'd stop and watch them and then continue on! When they get on the ice, Blake always takes a minute to look around and see who's out on the ice already and who's missing and who is doing what, etc., etc. before he makes his way to where ever he wants to go! He's certainly a different kid ... most of the other's get out on the ice and giver er'! Blake has to assess the situation before taking action!!!!!!!!!! I love his individuality :) Emerson had a blast at the arena. My parents came to watch too and she had fun playing on Grandpa's new phone! She kept pointing to the ice and saying, "There's Blake!" Even though it wasn't always him ... ! Reese slept the entire time in her car seat ;)
Our community league runs baseball and soccer programs in May and June and we've been looking into the times, locations etc. for Blake. Unfortunately the times do not work for us. T-ball (or Blast ball as they call it) is on Thursdays at 6:30 and soccer is on Fridays at 6:30. We were thinking he could play both, he loves playing catch and soccer with us, but I don't think it will work this year. He's in bed around that time! There is a soccer program at the YMCA though (starts in May), which is free with his membership, so we might register him in that! It is on Saturday afternoons. Hockey ends mid March and he is going to take some skating lessons in March and April. He also wants to do gymnastics again, but I think we'll look at that in the Fall!
I hope everyone is having a good week! Apparently the warmer weather is going to return mid-week ... thank goodness :) Enjoy the sun, if it decides to show!!
xoxo Tracy
We're having some rough times here in our house ... Emerson's ear infection doesn't seem to be clearing up. Amoxicillin has cleared up her last ear infections, but I guess maybe she needs a stronger antibiotic this time. Depends on the bug ... some are resistant and I think this might be one of those! She's been on it for 7 days. I know sometimes it takes awhile for the fluid in the ears to totally be absorbed, but I've made her a pediatrician appointment for Friday, in case it isn't better yet. She's been crying at night and maybe this is why?? I hope so anyways ... I think it's hard on Blake when she cries out, I feel bad for him. At times it's hard to remember that he's not even 4 yet and might not always understand what's going on and why his sister is crying. He's a pretty sensitive little guy and it bothers him :S We asked him if he wants to move into Reese's room, but he doesn't. And Em doesn't want him to move either. Kinda cute how they like sharing a room, but not so cute when they get each other all worked up ... When Em cries and then Blake starts crying, it makes Em cry even longer and harder and a vicious cycle begins until we settle Blake down!! OY!
And now Reese isn't doing great in the sleep department either! Well, I guess I shouldn't say that. It's really just a few hours at night - she's napping pretty good during the day and once I get her to sleep at night she sleeps great, but ever since her cold it's been tough to get her to sleep at night. She's having a fussy period between 10 pm and 2 am for the past week or so. So by the time she goes to bed and then the other two are up at 6 or so, I'm not getting much sleep. Reese still wants nothing to do with the soother. I think I'll stop trying! It just ticks her off!! She is sucking her fist though, so maybe she'll be a thumb sucker. Blake took a soother when we offered it to him at 6 weeks and Emerson starting sucking her thumb at 8 weeks. Reese is almost 12 weeks ... we need to find some sort of self soothing "tool" other then nursing!! Not possible for me to soothe her 24/7 with 2 other kids!! Other then that Reese is doing good! She has so many big, big smiles and is cooing and talking lots :) We LOVE her smiles, they light up her entire face!! So adorable!
We all went to Blake's hockey practice on Saturday! I was great to watch him and see him participate in all the drills!! He's come A LONG WAY since September!! It's amazing! He is a funny guy though - always thinking and planning! Even at hockey ;) Cal said when they were doing a pylon drill (skating around the pylons basically) Blake would go to the 1st one, stop, count how many pylons were left, go to the next one, etc., etc. until he was at the last one! And as other skaters would pass him, he'd stop and watch them and then continue on! When they get on the ice, Blake always takes a minute to look around and see who's out on the ice already and who's missing and who is doing what, etc., etc. before he makes his way to where ever he wants to go! He's certainly a different kid ... most of the other's get out on the ice and giver er'! Blake has to assess the situation before taking action!!!!!!!!!! I love his individuality :) Emerson had a blast at the arena. My parents came to watch too and she had fun playing on Grandpa's new phone! She kept pointing to the ice and saying, "There's Blake!" Even though it wasn't always him ... ! Reese slept the entire time in her car seat ;)
Our community league runs baseball and soccer programs in May and June and we've been looking into the times, locations etc. for Blake. Unfortunately the times do not work for us. T-ball (or Blast ball as they call it) is on Thursdays at 6:30 and soccer is on Fridays at 6:30. We were thinking he could play both, he loves playing catch and soccer with us, but I don't think it will work this year. He's in bed around that time! There is a soccer program at the YMCA though (starts in May), which is free with his membership, so we might register him in that! It is on Saturday afternoons. Hockey ends mid March and he is going to take some skating lessons in March and April. He also wants to do gymnastics again, but I think we'll look at that in the Fall!
I hope everyone is having a good week! Apparently the warmer weather is going to return mid-week ... thank goodness :) Enjoy the sun, if it decides to show!!
xoxo Tracy
Monday, January 24, 2011
B-U-S-Y...
Spells BUSY!!!! Yes, you've heard it before and you're hearing it again ;) lol!! We are one busy household! Busy with the kids activities and busy just maintaining the household!! We're doing well though! Amongst colds and a few sleepless nights ...
Wednesday marked Reese's 2nd month birthday! And to celebrate, I took her for her immunizations! She tipped the scales at 8 lbs 15 oz and measured 22" long. I believe that is the 10th %tile for both. She did very well with the needles, only cried when they went in and Blake and Emerson were gems too!! I think the promise of an Orange Julius if they behaved helped, but I am fortunate in that I can take them to appointments and they behave for the most part (a restaurant is a different story ;)! Reese came down with a cold on Friday night, so the last few nights have been rough :S Poor girl is very, very congested and laying her down (even with her head propped up) isn't working. But prior to the cold, she was sleeping 7 or 8 hours at night. I REALLY hope we get back to that soon :) She seemed to flip and was was sleeping better at night, but not napping as well during the day. Her morning nap is usually great and then the rest of the day is cat naps! But I can't complain, other then these last few days!! We love Reese's smiles! So adorable and lately she's been smiling and "talking" to her toys and to her reflection in the mirror!!! We gave her a little Cabbage Patch Doll for Christmas and I keep it on her change table, so when I'm changing her diaper she talks to it and smiles! LOVE it! Today was Reese's 2 month pediatrician appointment. On the Dr.'s scale she weighed 9 lbs 3 oz. Thus far, she is averaging a weight gain of 19.6 grams/day. Dr. Radisic said she is definitely on the smaller side, but she is very near gaining 20 grams/day, which is the expected weight gain in an infant. As for her congestion and runny, odd colored BM's, they are due to a virus. Dr. Radisic says the virus should be gone in 2-3 weeks, so we'll wait for that! While he was doing her checkup, she was smiling away at him!! It was so cute! He commented that she is very alert and smiley :) We've noticed that Reese enjoys Blake and Emerson talking to her. She responds with big smiles! I love how they interact with her and are always checking up on her! Emerson is always asking, "Reesey good nap?" Emerson also likes to say, "Reesey crying!" Even when Reese isn't crying ... !!!! Both Blake and Em are always giving her hugs and kissing her on the head :) It's very sweet!
Emerson has also been stuffed up and un-happy at night time the past few nights. Today she had her 2 year check up with Dr. Radisic. She weighs 24 lbs and is 32" tall. Her check up was good, but she does have another ear infection :( Poor girl. When Blake went through his year of ear infection after ear infection, he really didn't show many signs of discomfort. Emerson on the other hand is in pain! The last few nights she's woken up screaming. Hopefully the antibiotics kick in soon and she'll be feeling better.
Since we were making the trip to our pediatrician, we thought we'd better have Blake checked too. He's also had a cold and we wanted to get a rash that he's had on his cheeks checked. The rash is most likely just dry skin and his cold is viral. He hadn't been weighed and measured in awhile and weighed in at 42 lbs and 44" tall. Both are in the 80 %tile for his age.
Pat, our housekeeper has been away since before Christmas and we have missed her services dearly ;) She's back tomorrow and I can't wait to come home from Preschool to a clean house!! Unfortunately it doesn't last long, but it gives me peace of mind to know that the floors and bathrooms are thoroughly cleaned at least once every 2 weeks!! lol!
The weather has warmed up the past few days and the kids enjoyed playing outside this weekend. Apparently these warmer temps are here to stay for a week or so, so hopefully we'll get outside some more before it gets cold again. We put our truck back on insurance last week and parked the car in the garage. The car wasn't cutting it on the side roads!! Hopefully the City will be plowing the side roads soon and we'll take the truck off insurance again.
Have a great week everyone :)
xoxo Tracy
Wednesday marked Reese's 2nd month birthday! And to celebrate, I took her for her immunizations! She tipped the scales at 8 lbs 15 oz and measured 22" long. I believe that is the 10th %tile for both. She did very well with the needles, only cried when they went in and Blake and Emerson were gems too!! I think the promise of an Orange Julius if they behaved helped, but I am fortunate in that I can take them to appointments and they behave for the most part (a restaurant is a different story ;)! Reese came down with a cold on Friday night, so the last few nights have been rough :S Poor girl is very, very congested and laying her down (even with her head propped up) isn't working. But prior to the cold, she was sleeping 7 or 8 hours at night. I REALLY hope we get back to that soon :) She seemed to flip and was was sleeping better at night, but not napping as well during the day. Her morning nap is usually great and then the rest of the day is cat naps! But I can't complain, other then these last few days!! We love Reese's smiles! So adorable and lately she's been smiling and "talking" to her toys and to her reflection in the mirror!!! We gave her a little Cabbage Patch Doll for Christmas and I keep it on her change table, so when I'm changing her diaper she talks to it and smiles! LOVE it! Today was Reese's 2 month pediatrician appointment. On the Dr.'s scale she weighed 9 lbs 3 oz. Thus far, she is averaging a weight gain of 19.6 grams/day. Dr. Radisic said she is definitely on the smaller side, but she is very near gaining 20 grams/day, which is the expected weight gain in an infant. As for her congestion and runny, odd colored BM's, they are due to a virus. Dr. Radisic says the virus should be gone in 2-3 weeks, so we'll wait for that! While he was doing her checkup, she was smiling away at him!! It was so cute! He commented that she is very alert and smiley :) We've noticed that Reese enjoys Blake and Emerson talking to her. She responds with big smiles! I love how they interact with her and are always checking up on her! Emerson is always asking, "Reesey good nap?" Emerson also likes to say, "Reesey crying!" Even when Reese isn't crying ... !!!! Both Blake and Em are always giving her hugs and kissing her on the head :) It's very sweet!
Emerson has also been stuffed up and un-happy at night time the past few nights. Today she had her 2 year check up with Dr. Radisic. She weighs 24 lbs and is 32" tall. Her check up was good, but she does have another ear infection :( Poor girl. When Blake went through his year of ear infection after ear infection, he really didn't show many signs of discomfort. Emerson on the other hand is in pain! The last few nights she's woken up screaming. Hopefully the antibiotics kick in soon and she'll be feeling better.
Since we were making the trip to our pediatrician, we thought we'd better have Blake checked too. He's also had a cold and we wanted to get a rash that he's had on his cheeks checked. The rash is most likely just dry skin and his cold is viral. He hadn't been weighed and measured in awhile and weighed in at 42 lbs and 44" tall. Both are in the 80 %tile for his age.
Pat, our housekeeper has been away since before Christmas and we have missed her services dearly ;) She's back tomorrow and I can't wait to come home from Preschool to a clean house!! Unfortunately it doesn't last long, but it gives me peace of mind to know that the floors and bathrooms are thoroughly cleaned at least once every 2 weeks!! lol!
The weather has warmed up the past few days and the kids enjoyed playing outside this weekend. Apparently these warmer temps are here to stay for a week or so, so hopefully we'll get outside some more before it gets cold again. We put our truck back on insurance last week and parked the car in the garage. The car wasn't cutting it on the side roads!! Hopefully the City will be plowing the side roads soon and we'll take the truck off insurance again.
Have a great week everyone :)
xoxo Tracy
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Welcome Reese Party!
We hosted a "Welcome Reese" party at our house on January 15th! We didn't want to have a shower, as we truly have all we need, but wanted an opportunity to "officially" introduce Reese to friends and family, especially those we don't often see. Reese apparently knew she was the star of the day and stayed awake the whole time!!! Rare for her ;) The weather unfortunately did not cooperate, however many of our friends and family were still able to make it! Thanks to those who came and to those who were not able to make it, we will arrange another time :) Thank you to my Mom and sister for their help with the food and decorations! Reese is a very lucky little girl to have such wonderful family and friends :)
xoxo
Resolutions!
I would like to live "greener" and be more wise with our spending this year. I think the main reason I've been thinking about this and not actually doing anything about it is because I enjoy the convenience of many things and I like to spend $$$!!! lol! Some of the things we've came up with might sound ridiculous, but I think they will help us spend more wisely and be more earth friendly ;) Here are a few ways we are going to live greener, combined with some personal resolutions for 2011:
1) We will not purchase any greeting cards this year. I or the kids might make a card or use cards I already have made, or just give a gift tag! What do you do with all the cards you receive?? We keep the very special cards (Baby shower, 1st birthday, 1st holidays, etc) but typically recycle the rest!! I personally LOVE giving and receiving cards. I'm not always good with words, but I often find the perfect verse or greeting that expresses my feelings. So it may be a little work coming up with the perfect wording, but I'm sure I can do it ;)
2) We will not eat out as much. We've been doing a lot better with this one, but still need to work on it! This is slightly embarrassing, but currently our goal is to reduce our eating out to 1/week. Cal has been trying to live by this for a very long time, but I admit I've been destroying his resolve :S Between lunches and suppers in 2010 we ate out on average 3 times/week. It's just so convenient to pick up something on the way home from Preschool, vs. getting home and preparing lunch.
3) We are not buying shredded cheese! Now, you're probably thinking, "What? Why?!" If you do a cost comparison of a bag of shredded cheddar vs. a block of cheddar cheese you will see ... And shredding cheese certainly is not difficult or time consuming! Plus the waste of packaging on a bag of shredded cheese vs. a block of cheese. Less waste!
4) We are going to try ordering our meat from an organic/free range farm. My sister has ordered from one and I've heard of a few others around the city. We'll try it and see how cost efficient it is vs. buying our meat from the local grocer. I really don't want to think about it too much, but have you seen THAT Oprah episode?! The one that goes "behind the scenes" on chicken farms ...
5) I will use cloth diapers with Reese 90% of the time! I do appreciate the conveniencee of a disposable at certain times!! She was too small at first, but what we have are now fitting. I used them with Emerson too, but not near as much as I used them with Blake - just lazy (seriously!). I love using them though and so will put worth a better effort ;)
6) Salad - we will eat a salad with our supper at least 3 times a week. Blake and Emerson actually love salads, so what a shame that we don't have them more often!!
7) We will not buy any gift wrap or gift bags. We have so much of both in our basement and I want to use them first!! So don't be surprised if you receive your birthday gift wrapped in Christmas paper ... LOL!!
8) I would love to cut out paper towel from our home. I've thought about this for a long time, but haven't taken the giant leap!! I will however, resolve to use less paper towel!
So there's a start to our list! I haven't came up with any personal resolutions yet and I'm not sure if I will. Although one thing I was thinking of, was waking up and deciding to make the day great. I've been trying that lately and it really works. First thing in the morning when I go into Blake and Emerson's room, while we're getting changed, etc. I talk to them about what we're doing that day and ask them to try and have a great day. I ask them to play together nicely and if there is something bothering them to tell Mom and not start yelling and crying, etc, etc! Surprisingly they've caught on, it's really worked! Hopefully I can continue to do that vs. waking up and wishing I could stay in bed! No point in that, as I know 99% of the time it ain't gonna happen!!! Cal has resolved to run in a 1/2 marathon in May and try his hardest to train for and run in a full marathon this fall. I can't quite bring myself to resolve to run in a race this year, although I would love to.
Do you make New Year's resolutions??
Tracy
1) We will not purchase any greeting cards this year. I or the kids might make a card or use cards I already have made, or just give a gift tag! What do you do with all the cards you receive?? We keep the very special cards (Baby shower, 1st birthday, 1st holidays, etc) but typically recycle the rest!! I personally LOVE giving and receiving cards. I'm not always good with words, but I often find the perfect verse or greeting that expresses my feelings. So it may be a little work coming up with the perfect wording, but I'm sure I can do it ;)
2) We will not eat out as much. We've been doing a lot better with this one, but still need to work on it! This is slightly embarrassing, but currently our goal is to reduce our eating out to 1/week. Cal has been trying to live by this for a very long time, but I admit I've been destroying his resolve :S Between lunches and suppers in 2010 we ate out on average 3 times/week. It's just so convenient to pick up something on the way home from Preschool, vs. getting home and preparing lunch.
3) We are not buying shredded cheese! Now, you're probably thinking, "What? Why?!" If you do a cost comparison of a bag of shredded cheddar vs. a block of cheddar cheese you will see ... And shredding cheese certainly is not difficult or time consuming! Plus the waste of packaging on a bag of shredded cheese vs. a block of cheese. Less waste!
4) We are going to try ordering our meat from an organic/free range farm. My sister has ordered from one and I've heard of a few others around the city. We'll try it and see how cost efficient it is vs. buying our meat from the local grocer. I really don't want to think about it too much, but have you seen THAT Oprah episode?! The one that goes "behind the scenes" on chicken farms ...
5) I will use cloth diapers with Reese 90% of the time! I do appreciate the conveniencee of a disposable at certain times!! She was too small at first, but what we have are now fitting. I used them with Emerson too, but not near as much as I used them with Blake - just lazy (seriously!). I love using them though and so will put worth a better effort ;)
6) Salad - we will eat a salad with our supper at least 3 times a week. Blake and Emerson actually love salads, so what a shame that we don't have them more often!!
7) We will not buy any gift wrap or gift bags. We have so much of both in our basement and I want to use them first!! So don't be surprised if you receive your birthday gift wrapped in Christmas paper ... LOL!!
8) I would love to cut out paper towel from our home. I've thought about this for a long time, but haven't taken the giant leap!! I will however, resolve to use less paper towel!
So there's a start to our list! I haven't came up with any personal resolutions yet and I'm not sure if I will. Although one thing I was thinking of, was waking up and deciding to make the day great. I've been trying that lately and it really works. First thing in the morning when I go into Blake and Emerson's room, while we're getting changed, etc. I talk to them about what we're doing that day and ask them to try and have a great day. I ask them to play together nicely and if there is something bothering them to tell Mom and not start yelling and crying, etc, etc! Surprisingly they've caught on, it's really worked! Hopefully I can continue to do that vs. waking up and wishing I could stay in bed! No point in that, as I know 99% of the time it ain't gonna happen!!! Cal has resolved to run in a 1/2 marathon in May and try his hardest to train for and run in a full marathon this fall. I can't quite bring myself to resolve to run in a race this year, although I would love to.
Do you make New Year's resolutions??
Tracy
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Reesey!
Blake and Emerson have given Reese some interesting nicknames ... Reesey-Gooey and Reesey-Pooh!! Poor girl!! Hopefully they don't stick for life ;)
I had Reese weighed on Friday after her chiropractor appointment. She's up to 8 lbs 5 oz. Definitely gaining weight slowly, but gaining none the less!! She doesn't have any "regular" clothes that fit her, which irritates me!! I've been keeping her in sleepers pretty much all the time! Her preemie pants are too short and the newborn and 0-3 month pants are WAY too big in the waist. Oh well, soon enough they will fit and I can dress her up ;) The last few days I have heard Reese giggle 3 times!! It's always in the evening when I'm holding her and she's drifting off to sleep. So, so cute :) It's like she's dreaming of something funny! Reese has slipped into a great daytime sleep routine, but the last 2 nights have been rough :S She seems to have tummy problems and/or gas. Oval hasn't helped, but I gave her some gripe water last night and it seemed to work. I'm hoping this isn't due to the chiro. visit on Friday! We're supposed to go back this Friday, but I may take her in earlier if she continues to have cranky nights. It's like a switch goes off. She's so smiley and happy and naps well during the day and then 9 or 10 pm hits! I feel bad for her though, she seems to be very uncomfortable :( A warm bath, a warm hot pack and a little tummy massage also seems to help. We'll see how it goes!
We've had a great weekend! Blake enjoyed his swimming lessons on Friday, we all went to watch! He's doing so awesome in the unparented lessons. He's in Bobbers again. In order to move up to the next level he has to be comfortable dunking his head into the water! He gets pretty close when he's blowing bubbles, but isn't quite comfortable with yet! Emerson started swimming again on Saturday and has moved up an age group in her swimming lessons and is now the youngest instead of the oldest in the class. And Blake and Cal were back to hockey Saturday afternoon!! They brought home Blake's team picture and individual trader cards! Blake was very proud of his hockey cards ;) On Saturday we put up more shelving to house all the kids toys in our family room and in the basement and rearranged some toys, which was a time consuming task!! We also took down all our Christmas decorations. Cal's been busy shovelling the walks and thankfully my Dad brought back our snow blower this afternoon. He got it running again! I think Cal is relieved :) The kids enjoyed a visit from Grandma and Grandpa and we had a nice supper!
Cal isn't off tomorrow, like he usually is. This week he's going to take Friday as his day off. We had thought he would take off a preschool day to help me out, but I haven't had trouble on those days! The kids have been really cooperative and Reese hasn't slowed us down ;) So he's going to go back to taking Monday's off next week. And perhaps I'll find a mom and baby class to take Reese to! I'd love to take her to Aquababies or Salsa Babies! Or maybe a Strollersize or Yoga class. We'll see!!
Take care everyone, have a great week! Don't get stuck on the side roads!!
Tracy
I had Reese weighed on Friday after her chiropractor appointment. She's up to 8 lbs 5 oz. Definitely gaining weight slowly, but gaining none the less!! She doesn't have any "regular" clothes that fit her, which irritates me!! I've been keeping her in sleepers pretty much all the time! Her preemie pants are too short and the newborn and 0-3 month pants are WAY too big in the waist. Oh well, soon enough they will fit and I can dress her up ;) The last few days I have heard Reese giggle 3 times!! It's always in the evening when I'm holding her and she's drifting off to sleep. So, so cute :) It's like she's dreaming of something funny! Reese has slipped into a great daytime sleep routine, but the last 2 nights have been rough :S She seems to have tummy problems and/or gas. Oval hasn't helped, but I gave her some gripe water last night and it seemed to work. I'm hoping this isn't due to the chiro. visit on Friday! We're supposed to go back this Friday, but I may take her in earlier if she continues to have cranky nights. It's like a switch goes off. She's so smiley and happy and naps well during the day and then 9 or 10 pm hits! I feel bad for her though, she seems to be very uncomfortable :( A warm bath, a warm hot pack and a little tummy massage also seems to help. We'll see how it goes!
We've had a great weekend! Blake enjoyed his swimming lessons on Friday, we all went to watch! He's doing so awesome in the unparented lessons. He's in Bobbers again. In order to move up to the next level he has to be comfortable dunking his head into the water! He gets pretty close when he's blowing bubbles, but isn't quite comfortable with yet! Emerson started swimming again on Saturday and has moved up an age group in her swimming lessons and is now the youngest instead of the oldest in the class. And Blake and Cal were back to hockey Saturday afternoon!! They brought home Blake's team picture and individual trader cards! Blake was very proud of his hockey cards ;) On Saturday we put up more shelving to house all the kids toys in our family room and in the basement and rearranged some toys, which was a time consuming task!! We also took down all our Christmas decorations. Cal's been busy shovelling the walks and thankfully my Dad brought back our snow blower this afternoon. He got it running again! I think Cal is relieved :) The kids enjoyed a visit from Grandma and Grandpa and we had a nice supper!
Cal isn't off tomorrow, like he usually is. This week he's going to take Friday as his day off. We had thought he would take off a preschool day to help me out, but I haven't had trouble on those days! The kids have been really cooperative and Reese hasn't slowed us down ;) So he's going to go back to taking Monday's off next week. And perhaps I'll find a mom and baby class to take Reese to! I'd love to take her to Aquababies or Salsa Babies! Or maybe a Strollersize or Yoga class. We'll see!!
Take care everyone, have a great week! Don't get stuck on the side roads!!
Tracy
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