"Potty Time!"

So I thought I'd write a little update on Blake's potty adventures :) Quite awhile ago now, Blake started telling us (occasionally, not all the time!) that he had to go poo. He'd come up to us and say, "Poo" and grab his diaper, we'd check his diaper and there would be nothing and then 5 minutes later there it was! So we went to Toys R Us and bought a potty and put it in the bathroom and bought him a potty book (called Potty Time). And that's about all we did!

About a month ago Blake pulled his Potty Time book out of his pile of books. He's been hooked ever since! He knows the book by heart! So we asked him if he'd like to go potty like Jack does and last week he said yes!! Cal was off on Monday and spent a lot of the day with Blake and his potty!!! It wasn't just a one time, quick thing. Blake would sit on the potty and push a little pee out and then jump up and make Cal dump it in the toilet right away and wave bye-bye to it and then wash his hands and jump right back on the potty ... repeat, repeat, repeat! It went on and on and on! But we're finding that it seems to be more of a novelty then anything. He still goes in his diaper too! I don't have time during the day to spend with him on the potty. Maybe if he just went and got it over with, but not when he wants to spend hours there!! So he's going pee on the potty off and on. I'm not sure if he's really ready to be potty trained yet. I've read a lot about potty training and the "readiness" signs and he's almost there. We're glad he's at least showing an interest and when it comes time to get serious we'll have to set aside a couple of days and devote them completely to potty training! Probably when Cal has a three day weekend, so one of us can be with Em and the other can be on potty duty!!

If anyone has any tips/advice please pass them along! I have heard boys are harder than girls to train. I guess we'll see if that's the case when we try to train Em!

Tracy

Bottle Day!!

She took it (from Cal)!!!! Wow, I was surprised :) Hopefully it wasn't just beginner's luck! We'll keep giving Emerson a bottle every now and then to make sure she continues to take it. Only problem with giving Emerson a bottle today was ... Blake! I think he had bottle envy! I weaned him just before 11 months and then he switched over to a sippy cup at around 13 months, so he had a bottle three times a day for a whopping 3 months and yet every time he sees a bottle he wants one!!

We had a good weekend. Friday night a former co-worker of Cal's came over to borrow our truck for the weekend and we ended up visiting until 1 am! It was nice to catch up and chat. Saturday morning my Mom came in and picked up Blake. They went to the pancake breakfast, parade and fair grounds to take in some Farmer's Days events! Blake apparently had a great time! He spent the night in Stony Saturday night. Saturday afternoon Cal, Em and I went to my friend/co-worker Kathryn's wedding. It was a beautiful wedding! Sunday morning we met my parents for brunch and spent the rest of the day around home. It is my parents 29th wedding anniversary today! Happy anniversary Mom and Dad :) I aspire to be as in love as you two on my 29th wedding anniversary!

Cal has Monday off. Well, actually he's working O.T. from home on Monday, but he's been working off and on all weekend in the evening or when the kids are sleeping, so the daytime is ours tomorrow :) I love his job!!!! We plan on visiting the park and Toys R Us tomorrow. We're looking for a goalie helmet for Blake. He is currently using his hockey helmet as a goalie helmet. He turns the hockey helmet into a goalie helmet by pulling it over his face!!! I guess he's creating a goalie mask! No big plans for the remainder of the week. The usual - preschool Wednesday, swimming lessons Thursday!

Have a great week everyone! I hear it's supposed to be a sunny week! Which is good, but I wouldn't mind a little rain during the evening to help green up our grass!!

;) Tracy

Weigh In Day!

I took Blake and Emerson to the health unit today.

Emerson weighed 12 lbs 6 oz (50th percentile), she was 22 5/8" (10th percentile) in length and her head circum. was 38.5. So we're happy she's gaining weight and her head is growing!! The nurse suggested trying to sneak another feeding in during the day to make up for her not eating at night, so I'll see if I can do that. And hopefully Dr. Radisic will be happy with her head circumference at her 4 month appt.!

Blake stepped on the scale. He weighed 32.4 pounds. I didn't measure his height! Thought I was lucky to get him on the scale :)

Tracy

Wonderful Weather!

We have been spending a lot of time outside these days! Our weather has been fantastic and we've been taking advantage of the sun :)

This weekend we were lucky enough to take in two of Cal's hockey games. Blake really enjoyed being at the rink and watching all the events that take place before, during and after a hockey game! He enjoyed talking to the people in the time keeper's box, penalty box and players or referee's who got close enough to the glass for him to say hi to!!! And of course, he was quite excited to see the goalies!! Cal's team came in second. It was a very close final game!

On Saturday my parents came in and my Dad and Cal (with Blake's help and supervision!) took care of a few repairs that needed to be done to our fence and our car! Then Blake headed back to Stony Plain for a sleepover at Grandma and Grandpa Smith's. As always he had a great time!

Emerson is doing great! Today I had planned to take her to the health unit to be weighed before Blake's preschool class, but she slept so long I had to wake her so we could get to the YMCA on time! So I'll take her tomorrow or Friday. She seems like she's gaining weight though, but she is definitely smaller than Blake was at her age! She is sleeping really, really well. She naps well during the day and sleeps 11-12 hours at night. With no night time feedings!! Which is a bit crazy for a breast fed baby, but that's why I want to keep an eye on her weight. I have a friend who had to end up waking her baby during the night for a feeding and I'm hoping I won't have to do that! She still doesn't take a soother, so I think we'll just totally forget about that now. She still sucks her thumb. Only problem is that if we don't put her down in time, she gets overtired and worked up and has a hard time connecting her thumb with her mouth!! She is a very strong little girl and sits up really well. I think she'll be sitting up by herself early, but we'll see. She's giggling more and more, but it's at pretty random moments!! Hopefully soon we'll figure out how to evoke it :) She is definitely one of the smiliest kids I've ever seen! She has this full face, mouth wide open grin that just melts your heart! It is especially sweet when Blake comes into her field of vision and her face lights up!

Tonight Cal put both the kids to bed by himself. I met some girlfriends for coffee and for some reason said I'd meet them at 7!? Emerson was not happy when I was supposed to be leaving and Blake did not want me to go!! Which I thought was a bit odd, but in hindsight I haven't gone out before he's been in bed in a few months, so I guess he's gotten used to me always being home for bedtime. I called Cal about 20 min. after I'd left and both kids were sleepin' like babies!! So everything was fine! Bed time with Blake is actually one of my favorite times of the day. And not because he's going to sleep, but because Cal and I have a good routine going and have fun with the bath and getting ready for bed, reading a story, singing lullabies, cuddles, etc! And hopefully we'll get there with Em too! Right now it's a bit of a rush to get her ready for bed before she gets too overtired!! Next thing we have to try is giving Emerson a bottle. I know I'm being a bit pessimistic, but I don't think she'll take one as easy as Blake did and I'm just basing my opinion on the fact that she doesn't take a soother. But we'll see! We'll try this weekend - wish us luck! I'm going to the Kenney Chesney concert in July, which starts really early (like 6 pm I think), so I'm keeping my fingers crossed!!

This weekend Blake is having another sleep over at Grandma and Grandpa's house on Saturday night. Cal, Em and I are going to my friend Kathryn's wedding (an O.T. I worked with). Grandma is going to take Blake to the Farmers Days pancake breakfast and parade in Stony Plain and then I'm sure they'll have some adventures in the yard and garage!! He'll come home with at least one story about Grandpa and/or Grandma's quad and the trailer too!

I'm sure you have all read Cal's first blog entry! He's been talking about writing his own blog post for a long time now and he finally has! And I must say, what a great first entry!! We love you to bits Cal! You are an absolutely amazing father and husband and I am so proud of you in everything you do!! MWAH!!

This week Cal also started his running blog. It can be found at www.mylife-cal.blogspot.com. He'd love to hear from you there as well!!

Well, that's all for tonight! Enjoy the remainder of your week, have a fabulous weekend and take care ;)

Luv Tracy

PS: A Very Happy Birthday to my little sister, Lindsay!!! Blake got to wish her a "Happy Birfday Aunty Linds" this afternoon, so he was very happy!! Love ya Linds :O)

My (Cal's) First Post

Well, Tracy has had this going for over 2 years now and I've always thought about posting on here so I figured now was as good a time as ever.

Wow, where to start - I guess I could start with my 3 favorite people as they are my life. Tracy is continuing to be a fantastic wife and mother, not sure how she does it as it gets pretty busy during the day at our place. With Blake always on the go, whether it be with trains or books or his vivid imagination that in itself is a full-time job. Just trying to get Em into her regular naps is a challenge I'm sure. By the way they are both doing awesome! Like I said earlier Blake is pretty busy, he is learning so much every minute of every day. He is becoming quite the little boy and his imagination is absolutely hilarious. Now he doesn't just repeat things but he puts his own little spin on our questions. For instance I asked him "What does the lawnmower do?" - and his response was "make noise". Too funny. Emerson is growing more and more now she is quite smiley when I see her. I usually see her just before I leave for work and than when I get home I see her quite a bit. It's nice as Blake usually tries to include her in his day as well. Even letting her hold some of his Mr. Potatohead pieces as he assembles his latest masterpiece.

This weekend we have our annual company hockey tournament. I haven't played in the last couple (long story), but am looking forward to it. I play with a bunch of guys who are pretty good, older but pretty good. Previously we had won probably 4 out of 7 times so it is competitive. I'm still trying to keep up with the running. I entered the Canada Day Road Race on July 1st, 15 Km to do and haven't really trained for it yet but will need to start very soon. I'm also want to attempt another half marathon this year, maybe late summer or in the fall. I'll keep you posted.

First camping trip was a success but now we won't be going until the 3rd weekend in June. I think we will go to Cross Lake with Brad and Julie and the boys. The boys always have fun and by next year Em will be keeping up to them. July we will be going to Sask with the trailer for the Smith reunion.

I am also going to be starting my own blog, I did have calcameron.blogspot.com but wanted something more catchy. It's more to capture my running adventures and training. Hopefully it won't be this long between posts again.

May Long '09/Emerson turns 3 months!

Wow! I have a million titles running around in my head for this blog post!!

We took our first camping trip of '09 this May long weekend. We camped at Long Island Lake, just north of Westlock. My parents, Lindsay and Jeremy, Erica, Dion and Danielle and the Streadwick family all joined us! Blake had an absolute blast!!! He loved playing with Benjamin, Damien and Marc. They are such great kids - share so well and are very kind and gentle with Blake and Emerson. Blake played in the sand, on the quads, with all the toys, finger painted (thanks to Grandma D!), went for a bike ride, went for quad rides, roasted hot dogs, etc, etc. He took his first ever quad ride this weekend. He was a bit hesitant to go for a ride, but after sitting on all the quads, wearing his helmet around, seeing the other boys going for rides, etc. he decided he'd like to try it! He's so funny - very cautious! Hopefully he continues to be cautious!! Could come in handy during the teenage years!!!!!!!!! It was fun to watch him playing with the boys and using his imagination. He even saw a dinosaur in Grandma and Grandpa's bathroom! What a goofball! Thankfully Blake had no problem sleeping in his trailer bed. I was a bit worried he might fall out, because the bed rail that slips under the mattress doesn't extend the whole length of the bed. I'm sure he will be wondering when our next camping trip is. He loves being outdoors, so camping is right up his alley! As always, we continue to be amazed by how fast Blake is learning. When we pulled up to the campsite on Friday morning, my Mom opened Blake's door and he looked down at her shoes and said, "Bamma pink shoes." We all looked at each other and wondered when he learned the color pink! He surprises us everyday with his expanding vocabulary and overall knowledge. Everyone always says they are little sponges, but it's crazy to see first hand!

This was Emerson's first camping trip. She did really good. She didn't get to bed as early as at home because we tried to put Blake to bed first. They slept in the same "room", which makes it a bit difficult at bedtime! But all in all everything turned out great and they both slept good! Although, the early mornings were hard on Mom and Dad, because we stayed out around the campfire late!! We borrowed a bassinet from Lesley's Mom, which worked really well. Emerson doesn't roll yet, so it was much nicer to use a small bassinet vs. a big playpen that would have taken up a lot of room in our trailer. When the weather was nice Emerson joined everyone outside and was passed around or sat in her swing, but when the temperature dropped we kept her inside! On Saturday Emerson turned 3, yes I said THREE, months old!!! So hard to believe! Every day, more and more of her little personality is starting to shine through! She is very, very smiley and so far I've heard her giggle twice! I can't wait for more laughs and giggles!! It's the best sound in the world :) Tonight during her bath she started rolling on her side, so perhaps rolling is not far down the road ... We'll have to be more careful when she's on her change table or in the tub! Tomorrow Canadian Baby Photographers are coming to take Em's three month pictures. I can't wait to see the finished pictures! They take such adorable shots!!

We hope everyone had a great long weekend, despite the fluctuating temperatures!! Only in AB can you go from +20 C to 0 C in a few short hours!! Have a great week :)

Love Cal, Tracy, Blake and Emerson

2 Year Check-Up

Blake had his 2 year check-up this morning. He weighs 32 1/2 lbs (90th percentile) and is 35" tall (75th percentile). So he's doing great and is a bit bigger than most kids his age!!

I was glad we had a Dr. appointment this morning, because last night Blake had a fever (38.7 C). Tylenol and Motrin brought it down, but he didn't have a great sleep. Then again this morning he had a fever (39.9 C). Tylenol and Motrin brought it down again, but I was quite concerned. We thought he most likely had an ear infection, but Dr. Radisic checked his ears, his chest, his tonsils, his throat, etc. and said all is well! He said the fever may be the baby measles or a bacterial infection in his blood. If it's the measles he will break out in a rash in a few days. The only way to confirm if it's a bacterial infection in his blood is to do a blood count, which requires a blood test. But, he said we could start him on antibiotics and if he breaks out in a rash, then we'll know it's the measles and he didn't need the antibiotics. I said I'd rather do that, then take him to get poked!! So we'll start him on the antibiotics today. I'd never heard of this type of blood infection, but apparently it can occur in children ages 18 - 36 months. I'm going to do a bit more research online!! So it's not great that he may have either of these two illnesses, but I am glad he doesn't have an ear infection :) That's almost 2 months without one!

Hope the rest of your week is great! I'm sure everyone is looking forward to the long weekend!!

Luv Tracy