HAPPY 3rd BIRTHDAY

On this day, three years ago at 7:48am - my little 7lb baby boy was born! I remember giving birth as being a magical moment, a moment of awww. I remember having that "Wow" feeling, looking at him thinking... holy crap...we made that! The miracle of life truly is amazing, and now that he is 3 and has become a little boy there has been other times in those 3 years where I was thinking ... ((sigh)) we ... made that!??? lol I don't think I ever gave parenting half as much credit as I should have growing up and it funny now that I am an adult I think about life changing times with my parents and how those times probably made me who I am today. I asked my Mom once if she remembered the time when I stopped holding her hand, she doesn't remember - but in it was a moment I won't forget. I also remember the time we were driving an my Mom kinda told me that I was asking too many questions, until that day I never really thought about all the questions I asked but after she pointed it out I realized that yes I did ask a lot of questions.

Most days Jacob drives me nuts with his constant questions and a lot of times I have to step back and remind myself that he is young, everything is new to him, he is just learning. And maybe the more he learns now the smarter he will be later on? We are still in the process of potty training, he is really good if he's naked but that is hard to do when your not a stay at home mom. He often insists on wearing his "big boy underwear" instead of pull-ups and I try to remind him that he can't pee in them but I think he still thinks they are like pull-ups or just doesn't care. But if he has nothing on (no where for the pee to go) then he will go in the potty, even #2's.

He is at the age now that I think most kids go through of asking for toys, if I have to run to the store he insists on going to the toy store as well - because he needs to buy a new tractor or garbage truck. If he sees a commercial he will tell me he wants what ever the toy is. I am often torn between buying the toy to make him stop the tantrum or letting him cry it out, which is SUPER hard to do when you are in a store with other adults and they look at you like a horrible parent as your 'spoiled' child freaks out in the middle of the store! Sometimes it is just easier to buy the toy and move on, hopefully he forgets about it by the time you get home and I hide it (saving it for a birthday or 'good' behaviour day). Sometimes I donate the toys or use them as gifts when he has birthday parties to attend.

He now clearly knows what he likes and doesn't like and will often tell me he doesn't like someone or something. I feel really bad when we are sitting beside someone and he pipes up "Mommy, I don't like him" (I usually don't blame him, I don't like the guy either) I try to explain that its not nice to say things like that but he doesn't understand.
He is still a picky eater, I try to introduce new foods but he often says "it's yucky" even before trying it. He used to love broccoli, pasta and corn dogs but now if I make those things he turns his nose up at them. His favorite food right now is probably french fries, burgers, corn and yogurt. He has his beloved puppy that goes with him everywhere and needs frequent 'baths', I'm worried that soon his puppy will need some stitches (which I'm not very good at). He still likes to read books and he loves building puzzles (which he is surprisingly good at). He builds LEGO toys with his Dad all the time and likes anything that has wheels or motors.

Jacobs 2nd birthday party!

Well the Birthday party went off OK, except that Jacob wasn't feeling very well. I think it was a combination of teething and lack of sleep? He was just very drained on Saturday, didn't want to much of anything but sit and be held. He hadn't eaten much for 4 days, probably cause his teeth hurt and he apparently didn't sleep well the night before, also probably cause his teeth hurt. So, he didn't really play much with his guests or show much interest in his toys but the next day when he woke up and saw all his new toys he was very excited!! He had a good nights sleep and was acting more himself. I was also surprised that a lot of family had left before gifts were even opened? I thought we were running on time but apparently they were getting tired?

So here are a few pics of Jacobs party:

Above is a pic of all of Jacobs new toys and gifts from all his friends and family! He loves all the new toys - thank you to everyone that reads my blog and was at the party to share in my baby boys 2nd Birthday!! :)

busy life = no workouts

We had a very busy weekend or rather we have had a busy few weeks! I haven't been to the gym in what feels like forever!? And I think it might be affecting my weight loss, I think I am getting cocky on this diet. I was having cheats and still loosing, I would miss going to the gym and seem to loose more then when I did go and now I think that has all caught up to me!? I got on the scale on Monday to see if my weekend was OK (like I do every Monday) and I was actually surprised to see that I had gained a couple ounces!? I know .... it's just a few ounces but last week I hadn't lost anything and now this week I gain a few ounces? I need to get back on track and stay focused! It's very hard to get a workout in this month we just seem so busy but I need to get back to my gym routine!

This weekend is Jacobs birthday and I still need to go shopping for the give away bags and food for the BBQ! I just realized now that I should also order a cake!! :o Plus we are trying very hard to finish Jacobs play park for the weekend! I called the lawn place today and the lawn is in so I'm very excited!! I was worried that something would happen and the truck would be delayed somewhere and we wouldn't get our lawn till the end of the week leaving us no time to assemble the park! But it looks like we are kinda on track and as long as the park isn't too hard to build it should be up and ready for the kids to play on!! :)

Last weekend after gymnastics we went out to St.Albert and checked out their Children's Festival, it was OK. I think it was a little advanced for Jacob but there was a nice lady that gave us a couple tickets for a show so we were able to go see a show, I think Jacob liked it - it was a music, grooving type show with drums and dancing. We were suppose to go to our company BBQ after but it was getting late so we headed to the track instead. Jacob seemed to like it out there, he did good in the trailer, it was the first time we slept in it and he slept just as good as he does at home! Sunday we had our Moms group bday party, which was more like a picnic in the park. It was nice to see all the Moms and kids again, we stayed for a couple hours then headed home for supper. I took some pictures of the kids playing and will post them as soon as I get them off my camera.

Last night we worked on the yard, even though it was raining! But I think it is worth it and really we have no choice! The yard has to be finished for Jacobs bday party this Saturday! I do not want 9 kids playing in a muddy yard or have everyone in my house~! Hopefully we can lay the lawn tonight and start building the play park tomorrow!!! :D

So hopefully I will go to the gym tonight for a bit, help lay the lawn when I get home and tomorrow I think we are having some friends over to help with build the park. Then Thursday I have to pick up all the last minute things for the party (food and goodie bags) cause Friday we have to work at the track and Saturday morning we have gymnastics!?!?! phew, makes me tired just thinking about all the things we have to get done!! Hopefully I don't forget anything?!? ;)

New Play park!! :D

We went shopping last night and bought Jacob his new play set, we were trying to decide between two different ones. One was slightly cheaper then the other, but of course the more expensive one looked better built. The cheaper one had the open slide and the more expensive one had a closed in slide that I was unsure if Jacob would like? But the fort on the more expensive one looked amazing and the little stool area looked like it had a better roof over the stools. So what were we to do... I am more of a price shopper, if I can get the same play set or as close to, the more expensive one for less money then that is the way I will lean. But hubby had some good points about the more expensive one and I could tell he was leaning more towards that one, and honestly I liked it better too but the price shopper I am was thinking that we should just get the cheaper one. In the end we went with the more expensive one and I think the biggest reason I agreed to that one is that hubby pointed out that the cheaper one looked like Jacob could fall between the fort and slide but on the closed in slide there was no way he could fall! And for only $100 more we could have a really cool play set!!! So, below are the pics of both play sets we were debating on, hubby picks up the one on top today and hopefully this weekend we will have started putting it together!! :D I would really like to see it completely build by Jacobs bday party as this is our gift to him!!

One interview down ... one to go!

Above is a pic of our Moms group, on the left is when we finished our class and still had babies and to the right is at their 1st birthday party when most of them were toddlers!! So much has changed in such a short time and it's nice that we are still friends and the kids can still see each other.

So my weekend was good, Friday we went for dinner with my brother for his step-daughters birthday. It was hard with Jacob he just doesn't sit still for longer then 20 minutes so I walked him around the restaurant until our meal came (which took forever-but maybe that was just cause I was dealing with Jacob). Saturday we had our last class at the zoo and Jacob got to touch a ferret, a big bunny and a skunk! The class was so much fun for both me and Jacob, he enjoyed seeing all the animals and after the class was finished we got to walk around the zoo to see all the other animals! I would totally take the class again in the spring, it was tons of fun!! :) Sunday was our final swim class and I was a little disappointed, usually they turn the wave pool on for the last class but they couldn't for us cause there was an aqua size class going on at the same time and we couldn't go in the warm kiddie pool either cause it was closed!? The badge they gave Jacob in his book wasn't even the right badge for his class (it was suppose to be a duck and they gave him a frog??). So now I'm not sure what we will do on weekends ... probably visit family on Sundays like we used too and this Saturday Jacob has Christmas pictures. It will probably be Christmas before I know it anyway so maybe it's a good thing that our weekends aren't full!? I was also able to get all my Christmas stuff put up on Sunday, since I stayed home and didn't go see my Dad. Jacob LOVES the tree and all the lights! And hubby set up his train to go around the tree base which Jacob also LOVES! I can see the excitement in his eyes which makes me even more excited for Christmas this year - I can't wait too see his excitement when he see all his presents!! :D

So.... I am also on the hunt for a new day home ... which really sucks! I hate going for the interviews, they seem so weird and awkward!? There aren't too many day homes close to our home that are a reasonable price. So far I have found 2 that are kinda close (not as close as the one he is in now but still in Millwoods) one is charging $30 a day but meals are included and the other is $275 for 12 days and meals are included. The $275 one is definitely the better deal financially but she sounds like she is just starting out. So last night I had an interview with the $275 day home and I was right... she is just starting out (which is fine, everyone has to start somewhere) she has 2 kids of her own, age 6 and 11, and the 6 year old boy was crazy, hyper and very destructive with his toys. The Mom was also kinda weird ... we went into the boys room where all the toys are and she brought out these punching gloves and started hitting herself in the face and then said to Jacob "lets beat up Magoo" (the small dog they have) and proceeded to lightly hit the dog. I was kinda in shock!? I know its probably because she has older kids and you can probably do that with older kids, they should know the difference between play fight and actual fight but we are trying to get Jacob from NOT hitting!? My other concern with her is that she said she takes her kids too and from school everyday and so she would need a car seat for Jacob!??! WTF! Aaaaaa No~? I don't think so!?!? So if we do go with her (which I don't think we will) hubby will have to pick up Jacob at 3:15 so that she can go pick up her kids cause I don't want her driving my kid around!? I have another interview tonight ... lets all hope it goes better!! :(

Been Busy ...

Well, the weekend was quite busy and seemed to fly by. Friday night we worked at the track and Jacob had his sleepover at the in laws, I never went out after with all the staff even though I really wanted to go out and have a little fun! I was super tired and thought it would be best to catch up on a little R&R! Got to sleep in Saturday, and I probably over sleep. I had so much I wanted to get done since Jacob wasn't home but instead I slept! It was great and probably one of the last times I will be able to sleep in. After I picked him up we headed to St.Albert, which worked out perfect cause he still hadn't had his morning nap so he slept on the way! I went to Once Upon A Child and found a reusable swim diaper, some cool sandals and Jacob would not leave this lawn mower alone so I bought it as well! Dad was having a rest so I had to stall and went visiting and I wanted to take Jacob to the splash park in St.Albert but apparently they close it down after Sept. long weekend!? We went for ice cream with Dad instead, then headed home.

Sunday we started swim class again, there is one other Mom we know in the class which is nice. Jacob wasn't too impressed with the cool water, I think he got spoiled with Grandma's hot tub and their neighbors warm pool all summer! After swimming we had a candle party to go to so instead of going home to nap I just drove around. I was worried that if we went home he would nap for so long that I would have to wake him.

Yesterday was my birthday #32! I really don't like too much drama on my birthday but it is also nice to know that people are thinking of you. So hubby stopped by my work with Jacob and some balloons, which was a nice surprise! Then when I got home there were flowers on the counter and hubby picked up some chicken for supper. I still had my NS but at least I didn't have to cook him supper for hubby and Jacob!? Then after supper we had a few friends come over for ice cream cake and a fire. It was a really nice night, I wish it was a weekend cause I might have stayed up a little longer!?

I start holidays tomorrow and I want to do so much on them. The first thing on my list is to find a day home or sitter for Jacob so that I will be able to do the rest of the things I want to do like windows, clean the office, move furniture into the basement and hopefully set up the spare room!! I also would like to plan a garage sale but I was thinking this morning that it might have to wait till hubby is also home for the weekend so that he can help watch Jacob. We will have to see how the rest of the holiday goes!? Plus we have a few doctor appointments to attend, Jacob has his tomorrow so we will get to see how much he has grown since June.

PARTY!

The party was great, we had lots of family and friends show up - about 40 adults and 10 kids! It was kinda a ruff day for Jacob, he decided it would be a good no nap day so I felt rushed to get through everything before he had a meltdown! Thankfully he never really did have a meltdown but just didn't want to sit still and seemed a little cranky. He got so spoiled (as expected), he got lots of clothes, toys and money! Most of the clothes I will have to return cause they are 18 month size and that is what he is in right now and some of the toys were duplicates so I think I will be busy this week end exchanging everything. He really got into his cake this time and was very messy - it was fun to watch him get right into it!

Now that his party is over I get to know what a "normal" week is like and so far I kinda like it! So far most days I leave before he is even up and then when I get home I make dinner, give him a bath, play for a bit and put him to bed. I love the way he runs to me when I get home and gives me big hugs! I do miss not being able to go for coffee with the other Moms and socializing Jacob around other kids (which I think has helped in his development).

Yesterday Jacob had his 1yr shots, one in each arm and one in the leg! He did good, the nurse asked a million questions but I guess that is her job. Hubby had to deal with him after cause I went to work but he said Jacob didn't seem out of the ordinary at all. Of course he got weighed and measured and hasn't gained a pound since last month but grew in length (I'm not worried, he's still a big boy and on track with his graph). So Jacob weighed in at 24lbs and was 30.5" - not too much is new this month, he is trying to say more words and his walking is much better. He squats to sit now instead of just falling on his butt. He can feed himself with a spoon and enjoys "scooping" his food. He usually listens to commands like "come here" and "can I have...", His temper is starting to show more and his personality is coming out, he seems to know what he wants and shakes his head "no" when he doesn't want it. Still only has 6 teeth but I'm sure his molars are on their way.

Pro pics are in!! Now to decide!!

The pics are in!! And I think they turned out great, the magic of digital photography - they were able to hide all the bumps and bruises on his head! Now to just decide which one(s) I want!! These are a few of my favorites but I think I'm leaning more towards the pics where he is sitting on the chair? The studio said they could change things on the pics too if I wanted, for example: I like the umbrella one but I'm not too crazy about his dazed look so I could take his head from the chair photo and crop it onto the umbrella pic!? Isn't technology amazing!! So here are some pics, maybe you could help me out and put your vote on which one you like!?

I think this is my fav.

Well, the big birthday bash is tomorrow and I think I'm sorta ready!? I made loot bags for all the kids that RSVP'd (10)!! I'm not sure if it's normal for there to be loot bags at a one year olds birthday but just to be safe I did, cause what parent doesn't need more dollar store crap lying around the house!? he he

Saturday is going to be really busy and I'm grateful that my in laws are keeping Jacob over night tonight and aren't bringing him home till they come over for the party at 3pm! This way I don't have to try and clean house, make chili, decorate the house, pick up the cake AND entertain a one year old!!

I guess that's all for now, I will post later with birthday pics and how the party went!

Finally some PICS!!! :)

Yup that's right ... it's picture time!! Don't ask me how I did it cause it's a long story of uploading/ downloading/ file sharing hoopla~!! But I somehow managed to get some pictures on here!

My little walking man!! He's still a little clumsy resulting in bumps and bruises on his forehead but I guess that's part of the learning curve! He now tries to put his hands down to stop himself but sometimes he is just clumsy! ;)


We have to put the dog dishes up or outside, Jacob seems to really enjoy playing with them! I thought this was cute!

His 1st haircut and he didn't do too bad, he wasn't scared until she brought out the little razor to do around his ears.

It's like he's saying ... "please help me Mommy!" He's so sad! :(

We celebrated his Birthday yesterday with supper and a mini party, just us and the in laws. They bought him a new sandbox, which he seems to really enjoy (even after seeing how it taste!), we gave him a small gift as well (mega block fire hall) and we had a small cake!

He didn't do too bad with the cake and was about to dive into it until Dad gave him a spoon! So he wouldn't get too messy!! Dad can be such a tart sometimes, it's not like he had to clean up after!? O - well, his big party is this weekend so I'm sure he will have another chance to get into his cake! Tonight is Jacobs professional pictures (which I'll have to try and hide a few bruises for) and I need to pick up things to make the grab bags! I think there is suppose to be about 10 kids coming!! :o

One day done .... lots more to go!

Well, my first day wasn't too bad I suppose!? I sure didn't miss rush hour traffic and since my store has changed locations since last year I "tried" going home a new way and should have stuck to the old way cause I ended up on the wrong highway and had to go into the city and really deal with rush hour traffic!! I find it hard to get everything done and feel very rushed at the end of my work day! Maybe it's just cause I have lots to do before Jacobs party on Saturday but I think I need to work on my time management!! Now I have to do all the things I used to take all day to do (laundry, grocery shopping, house work, etc.) in only 6 hours! Four little hours .... that's all I get now with Jacob! By the time I get home from work (about 5ish) and by the time he goes to bed, so I must make the best of weekends!!

Yesterday was pretty hard for both of us and by the time I saw him after work he was stuck to me like glue and wouldn't let me out of his site!! It makes me feel loved and sad that I can't be with him. Today was better then yesterday and he didn't even cry when I left, he reached out as if to say please don't go but there were no tears, so that is good! Hubby worked on the computer yesterday and said he was able to get the picture file, I'm so happy I never lost them! But that's all he's been able to get into! This virus is a nasty one!! Today he is suppose to work on the basement and it better be close to being done by the time I get home!! There really isn't that much left to do, maybe two days worth of hard work!

I forgot how slow it is at my job, which is kinda nice cause I feel like I'm on a holiday but the more down time I have the more I think about Jacob! As I said before this week is busy, yesterday after supper we had a toy party to go to and before we left Jacob fell and bumped his head (now there is a big goose egg!), I have pictures booked for tomorrow but now I'm wondering if I should cancel cause the goose egg is pretty big but then I think there will always be something so maybe I should just keep the appointment!? Thursday I need to go buy stuff for the party on Saturday and start preparing food cause I will have no time on Friday. Friday I am headed straight from work to the the track the Saturday is the party and I will have to set up decorations and finish making salads and grab bags! Makes me tired just thinking about it all!! :P Tonight I should call family that hasn't RSVP'd yet, but the list is really long and we are going out for dinner and having a mini party for Jacobs birthday. Today he is 1, and I forgot to wish him a Happy Birthday before I left this morning!! I feel like such a horrible Mom!! :( I'm not sure if I will have time to call all the family that hasn't replied so I guess I'm just suppose to assume they aren't coming? My brother is on that list and that pisses me off!! He's so lazy, it doesn't surprise me but I will be mad if he doesn't come to his only nephews 1st birthday!!

Anyway, I guess I should get back to "work" (it's so much easier then being at home but boring, I don't consider it work to be here). I want to move my computer from the center of the counter to the corner so that people can't tell that I'm slacking !! LOL