It's only been a few days since my last post, but it's been eventful! As always my camera was close at hand all week. Let's see...

On Tuesday neither of the kids (or me) took a midday nap and since Scott had a church meeting in the evening I just about lost my mind by 8pm!

Emma apparently picked up a cold at the weekend and had a runny nose for a few days. Of course her sleep was impacted. Between trying to get Toby to go to sleep (instead of screaming in his crib) and consoling Emma who was having trouble breathing I was frantic.

In the end I got Toby up and sat him in front of the TV - don't judge me!! I'd even tried a pacifier but thankfully he wasn't interested! He also wouldn't take a bottle, is drooling and chewing on his fist constantly so we think he's teething.

In the end Scott rocked him to sleep about 11pm but since then he's been a terrible sleeper and is wanting to eat more often at night since he won't take it during the day!

Wednesday I recovered by designating it a pajama day! The kids and I took it easy and we all took a good nap.




On Thursday we were feeling better. Emma's cold is clearing up and Toby is more manageable! After I put the kids down for a nap I settled in for one myself but was disturbed by a knocking at the door. It turned out to be Scott home early.

A big storm was forecast for Thursday into Friday, and though there had not been any accumulation thus far I assumed he was home to avoid the snow. However it was not the case. Unfortunately Scott got laid off from work as the company is between jobs. It was not welcome news.

I immediately went into panic mode (yes, that is still my default reaction), before realizing that we can do very little to cut costs (except not eat!). Scott will be looking for side jobs to keep us going until something more permanent comes back up. In the meantime, it seems as though God is speaking right to us.

Last night we dropped the kids off at Nana & Pops house so we could do some things at church. That was a nice break for them and us. The kids had a ball and we all got out of the house.

So, Friday is here and while there is only a few inches of snow on the ground, it feels just like a snow day.


I made a game for Emma where I printed out the numbers 1-10 and letters of the alphabet, one to a page and paid them out on the floor. The game was that we all had to go and stand on the number of letter that was called. She was really in to it for a while. When we were packing up I asked her to get the 'S'. She walked around calling "S", as if to say "where are you?" When she found it she picked up the paper and started hugging it saying "Ahh, S!" Crazy!!!

Growing fast

There have been some funny incidences lately. Last week I found Toby laying on his mat and wearing sunglasses. Emma denied all knowledge!! Emma has also been trying to pull him out of the baby chair to put her doll in it!

Then there's the cute things. We often hear from the other room Emma laughing and saying "Ha ha, Nony!" (That's how she says Toby). She will call "Night night Nony" and give him spontaneous hugs and kisses!

Here Emma is reading to Toby...

On Saturday, while walking around the grocery store Emma started pointing to the ceiling and saying something. It was a few moments before I realized she was pointing at the "s" on the sign and saying it! When we came home from the store today she walked around the back of the car as I unloaded Toby and I heard her reciting the letters from "Sedona!!"

Emma knows her numbers from 1 to 10 and the following letters of the alphabet:
A B C D E F G H I L M N O P R S T V X. We think that's pretty good and she has a couple of years to learn the rest!!

I am pleased to report that as Emma continues to improve with her eating (we've started chewing a bit) she is also improving in her speech and many words that were quite tough to understand are now really clear. Scott's even got her saying "Yes sir!!" We're still working on replacing "uh-uh" with "no!"

Toby is doing really well. He's been binky free for over a week now and has coped well. It's greatly improved my night times and I think he's eating more, because I give him a bottle as soon as he fusses instead of holding off with a pacifier. We have seen him sucking his thumb on occasion, but nothing too consistent!!

I was concerned that he wasn't rolling yet, but I read that 6 months is more average. I've been doing tummy-time as much as possible, but he only likes it on the ottoman where he can look around - the floor is too low!

Finally, I just saw a news story that a 90 minute midday nap can make you smarter!! That or smart people nap when they can!! I realized when I got sick last week that I need to take better care of myself and the kids have been allowing me to get naps in here and there. That's great because Scott is working 12-14hrs most days and if I went to bed early we'd never see each other!!

3 days, 4 nights

No, it's not a mini-vacation! That's how long it's been since Toby saw his pacifier!!

On Sunday evening I decided it was time to get rid of Toby's pacifier. Too many trips to put it in his mouth during the night (even when he wasn't swaddled!) and much the same at nap time. Sure, it is the easiest way to deal with a fussy baby at church or to prolong giving him a bottle! That said, sleep is precious!

I have found it remarkably easy to let him cry it out, I guess that's standard with a second child. And because Emma is more inclined to go back to sleep when awoken too early, even at nap time, I am able to let him cry for the few minutes it takes for him to fall asleep again.

When it comes to hunger, that cry is different and now Toby is inconsolable until the milk hits his tongue! I'm trying to be more proactive and feeding him before it gets to the crying stage.

Last night he went to bed at 8pm. He woke up at 11pm for a bottle - perfect timing as it's right before we go to bed! Then I heard him cry around 2am, but it was too early for a feed and let him go. I didn't hear from him again until 6am, when I quickly brought him into my bed and he drank a bottle without opening his eyes! He then slept there until 8am.

I don't think Emma will be nearly so easy, being much more manipulative and clever. That will be a battle of the Wills for sure!!! At the moment she throws her binky on the floor and calls us until we go an retrieve it - that's right, she doesn't even get out of bed for that! That's always been the trade off, since it often rolls under the bed during the night, but I love that she doesn't get out of bed until we get her up - for now!

Baby Talk

We shot this video of Toby and Emma a couple of weeks ago and I forgot to post it! Enjoy...

When?-sday

When we were hit with the worst storms of the millenium (!!) last week many homes in our viewing region were without power for several days. I suppose, in an attempt to preempt more problems the power company scheduled tree-trimming in our neighborhood for today. A letter came a week ago saying we might experience a power cut between 8.30 and 10.30am.

I forgot until the TV went off at 9.45am!! The house was a balmy 70 degrees and Melissa was scheduled to come at 11am for therapy, so I opted to stay home. The phone message said power should be back by noon.

I bundled the kids up and added a layer or two myself and tried to keep busy in our powerless home!

It wasn't and as we hit 64 degrees I got a little concerned and called the power company. They gave me 2.30pm as the new deadline. Still coping I decided to hang on. The power came back at 12.30pm.

Not having experienced a power outage in some time there was surprisingly more inconvenience than I expected. Check out some things requiring electricity I had not previously acknowledged I'd miss...
Breast pump needed for feeding and comfort - more often with mastitis!
Stove needed to cook breakfast since cereal was all gone!
Microwave needed for baby food and other breakfast options
Internet needed for entertainment when TV out
Cell phone charger needed to keep only means of communication to outside world
Baby monitors as it turned out, not needed in house with no noise making electrical appliances!

Anyway, far from being the major inconvenience it could have been I actually am thankful for it. I realized that I have been spoilt with keeping the house warm enough for short sleeves when it's barely above freezing outside (my Grandad would have a fit if he knew!!) Therefore I have now set our thermostat to be 2-4 degrees colder than I have previously had it, and I will wear a sweater and slipper-socks inside. Scott will likely be thrilled but the nurses will have to have an extra blanket!!

And hopefully it will positively impact our energy bill!!

Blissfully unaware, Emma was actually pleased to be allowed to wear her shoes in the house, though refused to keep the sweatshirt on!

When Melissa arrived with Harley things just got more exciting!!

"calling Daddy" on Melissa's phone

(She's "Shh-ing" the dog who was caged in the kitchen!)

Changing subject, I'm feeling much better. I got lots of rest on Monday and am doing all the things recommended to heal mastitis.

Bad day

On Saturday night I got up 4/5 times to put Toby's pacifier back in. When I left him to cry for a while Emma's nurse intervened - which really annoyed me! So last night I decided to start the weaning process.

I got up around 2am when Toby started to cry. I rubbed his belly and put the GlowWorm on and he fell back to sleep until around 5.30am. That was awesome.

However I woke up around 4am with a painful bout of mastitis on my right side. There was no doubt in my mind and it came out of nowhere. The good news was I had my annual check-up scheduled at the midwives this morning, exactly who I needed to see.

Leaving the kids with Nana and Kimberly I went to my appointment.

Just from my description Sarah knew that was what I had. When she examined me she confirmed it. I'm not sure if it was dehydration and lack of sleep from a busy weekend, different bras or just not pumping enough because of our crazy schedule. I do know it hurts like hell and I feel terrible.

I don't plan on ending up on an IV in the ER like I did the first time, so I'll be getting right on the antibiotics, drinking fluids and resting as much as I can tonight.

I can't help thinking I brought this on myself as I was just saying to Scott that I was thankful to not get sick very often. I am thankful though that it's not something contagious. Sick kids would be even worse than being sick myself.

Back to Toby - he had a nap this morning without the pacifier and did great. Lunchtime, when I too was trying to rest he was not so agreeable. Despite my sickness I am sticking with it so I can get the rest I need each night long term.

Emma still has her "binky," for now. Getting rid of that will have to be weighed with potty training! Both will require extreme emotional strength from me!

I always like to end on a positive note, so here's Emma chanelling Elton John...

Heart Day

Valentine's Day was never a big deal in our house growing up, unless my sister or I had a boyfriend!! Even then, it's a whole different deal over here. Parents, grandparents and kids exchange cards and gifts. It's cute, but I still see it much the same as I did growing up. (Now I'm married, our anniversary is more important than some random day.)

Although, there is one tradition I look forward to each year now and that is the Thompson's Valentine Dinner!

The Thompsons are our "other family!" Scott's second home growing up, and one of my favorite places. There are few places where I can go and relax like I would at home like my parents house, my grandparents, and now the Thompson's!

Mrs. T is the hostess bar none. No matter how random the holiday, Mrs. T. can make it a special family event. Now I see Valentine's as more just a reason to love on family and friends than celebrate not being single! Here is the beautiful Valentine's table...

Something else that makes the Thompson's so special to us is that they love Emma (and the rest of us) something crazy. And Emma returns the feeling (as do the rest of us!!) So I always make sure she looks as cute as possible.
Blurred, but you get the point!

Emma is taking the longest time to warm up to the four-legged family member - Rocky.

Rocky weighs almost 3 times as much as Emma but wouldn't hurt a fly. Every time we visit she gets a little more friendly toward him...


Poor Rocky is confused though - for over a year we all stopped him going near her and now we try and hold him still so she can pet him!!

Here''s Emma with Nichole
And Toby with Gina (Gina went to school with Scott)

A new toy for Emma was the helium filled heart balloon which she was having lots of fun with. Here's the video if you can see it!

I know you're dying to know what Scott and I got each other today!! The answer is nothing. We are going out for a nice dinner with friends next Friday. Nice and easy!

Happy Valentine's Day everyone.

Awwwww...

Fish out of water

You know how visiting somewhere you used to live brings up strange emotions? That happened to me today.

For a few weeks I had planned today as a "me" day. I intended to go to the mall for a few hours by myself and get a treat or two. As it turned out I decided I really didn't need to spend any money and Scott planned to work a few hours to make up for Thursday.

Then the Mayor declared free parking in the city all weekend! Since parking prices are a major deterrent and there are a couple lower-price stores I like down there I decided to take a couple hours before Scott worked and pop into town.

I gassed up the car and hit the road. I'm not sure what's so alluring about going to the city. I lived there for a couple of years before I moved out to the 'burbs. I really wondered as I sat in city traffic made worse by the 2' of snow piled at the sides of the road! I was ready to give up and head home in frustration before I finally found a spot midway between the two stores I wanted. Sweet.

After a badly executed parallel-parking job onto a bank of snow I was heading down the busy street. I felt slightly out of place but ignored it.

In the first store I observed many people my age, okay, probably a bit younger! I overheard conversations about nighttime plans etc. Even though I'd never been party to the extreme fashions I wondered what the designers were thinking. And a big realization hit me - I'm a suburban housewife with two children!

I let it sink in, purchased my two tank tops and left.

I stopped to grab a donut and hot chocolate for the walk to the other store. It was good, but I don't think you should take open drinks into clothes stores so I stood in the cold and drank as much as I could. I put the [almost] empty cup upright in my hand bag - there are no trash cans in the city!

I stopped in a couple places en route, got a shirt on sale but nothing else. I started to feel self-conscious around all the trendy rich people in that part of town, but realized that was silly.

I reached my final destination and was only partly satisfied with the selection, but that's an outlet for you! As I put my coat back on in the fitting room I realized I'd been walking around with hot chocolate drips down the front of the coat! (I can't drink and walk to save my life!) Nice.

I held my bags in my left hand to hide the stains and checked out of the store.

Back in the car, which I was thrilled to see had not been blocked in, I discovered that the tiny dribble of hot chocolate had leaked out of the now upside down cup and soaked the bottom of my bag. My new-ish notepad now has brown-tinged pages.

I could not wait to get home. On the drive home I discovered that I'm good with being a suburban housewife. I was never a true city girl and I feel confident in who I am now. I always wanted to be married with children and I lucked out with the husband and kids I have. And when I thought of the cries of "Mummy" when I come in the door and the warm hugs I get I wouldn't trade it for anything!!

Tip top

for Christmas Scott got me one of those daily calendars, with a new tip or scripture each day "for busy moms." I gladly received this helpful gift, but have actually been really impressed with some of the useful tips. For example...

Put a dry towel in the dryer with a load of wet clothes to speed up drying. (Haven't tried it yet!)

Refresh a kitchen sponge by putting it in the dishwasher OR microwave (wet for 15 seconds)

Store cleaning products where you use them so you don't have to make extra trips up the stairs.

And todays - Keep your car keys beside your bed at night and if you hear a noise or are frightened simply set off the car alarm to alert neighbors or scare prowlers!!

I had to share that one because I'm one of those people who wakes their husband up at 2am because there is definitely someone breaking in!

Fun day

Scott was out until 1am shoveling and cleared our paths so well our neighbors have been coming over to him to pay complements! So, before lunch I stayed true to my word, bundled the kids up and headed outside!

Here are some pictures from our fun...

Path or luge track?!

Toby, in the snow!!

Yes, I stood there yelling "No!!!"

Emma dislikes gloves!

It's official

This has been the worst winter on record for snowfall, with local totals around 20"+ in the past 24 hours! Temperatures are not expected to be above freezing for several days and another snow fall is expected early next week!

Growing up in southwest England we were excited by 1 or 2 inches. The most I ever remember experiencing was about 6" when we were at Grandma's one year. (I didn't have any boots so we couldn't go out to play!!)

Tomorrow Scott is not going to go to work, we're not even sure if it would be possible! If we get the chance we're going to let Emma go outside for a few minutes - my sister called specifically to tell me it would be mean not to! Snow brings out the kid in all of us!!

As for now, as the storm tails off, Scott is back out to try and shovel the worst of it one last time. I'm going to sleep though - the nurse isn't coming (of course) so it could be a long night!

Snow Day

This storm is something else! The snow is wet and heavy and is sticking to everything. Just look at our trees - the branches are saggy and white. We're praying none of them are ind anger of falling over like so many reported on the news.

This was our pathway this morning - before the snow really got going!! Banks of snow lining the path and sidewalk. I feel bad for the mailman!!

Here you can see Scott and Howard (one of our new neighbors) shoveling the driveway for a third time. The pile blocking the view of the car is about 4-5 feet high!! There's really no where else for it to go!

This is our garden table, the snow all from today. The media says it should still get up to 18-24" in the next few hours!!As exciting and beautiful as the snow is, and as great as enforced time of is, the snow brings some issues. Thankfully we have not had any medical emergencies, but imagine if we did. Our minivan will not do well in this weather.

Then there's work - one day off is okay, especially as Scott worked until 9pm last night to make up for it in advance!! However he may be off tomorrow too.

That said, there is nothing we can do about it, so we're hunkering down and eating all the comfort food I can make!!

Snow more

Well, the snow began again last night and we have already had a few inches! We're forecast 18-24" by tonight. This is the most snowfall in one winter on record!

Unfortunately Toby is too small to enjoy it and we decided that it would be best to keep Emma in the warm. Even if I had got around to buying her snow boots and pants etc I worry about her getting sick!

Scott is staying home today since the bulk of the snow is due late morning. He was up at 6am though to help the nurse get her car out.

Despite the wintry weather we have been able to get out. Our local library runs a program every Tuesday and Friday at 10am for 2-3.5 yr olds. They have a half hour of story time with a number of songs and dances in between. This combines Emma's two big loves - books and dancing!

We've learned some new dances, like Hot Potato and Emma practices them between sessions! It's so much fun to watch her during the program. She has such a great attention span and follows everything closely. Every so often she'll take a little stroll to say hi to some of the other moms sitting on the floor. Many of them comment on how cute she is.

I'm probably an annoyingly-proud mum! I am constantly telling Christina (who brings Nathan and Aaron) to look at Emma when she's being cute!! When we went yesterday there were 5 of us from church with our kids. The kids know each other from the nursery at church and playdates so it's cute to watch them interacting too.

After the structured time they open some cupboards full of toys and the kids all play for a while. It took a little getting used to, just letting Emma go and play with these communal toys, but I'm doing well. She puts less in her mouth so that helps!

Yesterday she got the mini-soccer ball first and when another little girl wanted to play with it too Emma refused to share. It's the first time we've really faced this as she normally hands stuff over without a bother. In the end, and with the help of the other mom, we had them passing the ball to each other, sort of! The other little girl had been snatching from Emma last week so she needed the lesson too!!

It's been really great for both of us and we're hoping to go once or twice every week. Once the snow stops interrupting!

Snowed in

It turns out that the snow storm we faced in December was just a warm-up!! So far today we are looking at 20" of fallen snow (officially 26" at the airport just a few miles away)!




As it's a Saturday, there's nothing else for it but to stay in and keep warm. Emma was thrilled - both Mummy and Daddy to play with (mainly Daddy)!

Then some downtime for a spot of quiet reading!

Toby is blissfully unaware of anything unusual and is is normal happy self! Here are a couple of pictures and video from earlier this week...

Skater Girl

Longest night

Last night Toby woke up about 10.30pm for a bottle. This was perfect timing as it meant that we could all go to bed when the nurse arrived at 11pm!

The next thing I know is it's 5.45am and Scott's alarm was going off. I had not heard Toby all night. I lay there for a while basking in the 6 solid hours of sleep - more than I've had in sometime! Then I started to get worried. He's never slept that long before.

I went in to his room and he was still sleeping! His blankets were all over the place but he was fine. Toby's room is the coolest in the house but I guess it's okay for him.

He didn't actually wake up until 7am.

Emma didn't wake up until 7.45am.

Love it!

As you can see our kids are good sleepers...

Toby "playing" yesterday

Emma and "Mousey" last night

Toby-Obi-Wan-Kanobe

Well, that's what my Godsons call Toby!!

Toby had his 4 month well visit today. He's doing great, meeting all his milestones and sticking to his growth curve.

Last week I'd been worried as he hadn't pooped in 4/5 days. The doctor told me it was okay with breastfed babies as the milk is perfect nutrition. I guess so! In fact, in just one month Toby gained 1lb (making him 15lbs 14oz) and grew 2 inches (to 26")!!!

Toby charmed the new lady doctor that checked him over before his primary doctor. He was all smiles and giggles as usual. He even rolled over for her! I think he was a little wary of his actual doctor, giving him less love. Perhaps he knows that's the guy that orders his shots!

After our appointment I headed to Target and picked up Toby some new PJs - at this rate he'll be in 6mth clothes next week!

The doctor also checked Emma's ears for me and one is looking a little red! Please pray we don't see another ear infection. She really deserves a break. Getting sick really affects her willingness to sit still and eat also.