The Cradle

Finally took those pictures of Bowynn in the cradle*. She's definitely too big and roly-poly for it. Now to locate the two play pens I know we have some where...  Also, I wish I had a better camera - I love my Nikon Coolpix because it fits in my purse super easily - but the it just doesn't do as much as my old camera and has a hard time focusing - which is important when you have small, fast moving, little ones.

*This cradle has been in our family since 1964 when the first baby slept in it. Since then there has been about 20 babies in it over the years - including yours truly! With all that history I was eager to use it for my newest edition. (Kaeda co-slept and got her first crib at 18months)

Baby laughs

Bowynn laughed for the first time today! Sooo adorable!

We were at the pool for Kaeda's swim lesson (which she swam like a fish for) and I had Bo on her back on my knees and was making popping noises at her and she just opened her mouth wide and laughed and laughed and laughed! I just wish the it had happened in a quieter place so I could have heard her sweet voice clearer! It's no wonder they say when a babe laughs for the first time a fairy is born. Happy infant noises are just that precious!

Anyway, I hope they both sleep well tonight - because I want to too! Bo was up every hour last night and today was hectic. We forgot Kaeda's swim suit at home and B had to run home to get it. He used his long board to get back faster - which Kaeda thought was absolutely AWESOME. She's been bugging me about getting daddy to teach her how to skateboard... because we walk by the skate park all the time. Problem is, skateboarding is actually kinda dangerous (broken arms, wrists, collarbones etc.) and isn't recommended until kids are at least seven. Oh, and daddy long boards which isn't the same as skate boarding... or something. Well whatever, hopefully her interests change, it still made me smile watching him zoom up to us on the long board.

Well once swimming was done we has sushi for dinner - Kaeda's favorite. It's not really that complicated to make... but it's time consuming and messy. And of course once we had eaten we were just... so.... full..... I suck at dieting. The best I've managed so far is to think about it, hahaha. I just love food too much (and sugar & cream in my coffee).

So I'm tired, but I'm happy so long as I've had a busy day with minimal tantrums :)

"You see, Wendy, when the first baby laughed for the first time, its laugh broke into a thousand pieces, and they all went skipping about, and that was the beginning of fairies." J. M. Barrie, Peter & Wendy

My 4 month old can walk! (sort of)

Tuesday is always busy for us - preschool, sometimes library, then off to Grand-mere's for lunch and a visit and then off I go to earn some coffee money cleaning for my MIL's parents and sister. Today was no exception. The great thing about Tuesdays is that the kids are usually pretty wiped out by the end of it so it means an easier bedtime routine.

Tonight, I'm excited, we've actually planned some couple time! YAY! You'd think we'd have some time every evening after the kidlets go to bed - but with a roommate/tenant, bachelor buddies who regularly stay up to the wee hours of the morning and just our regular catching up - it's really not that common.

So tonight we're hopefully have a peaceful hot tub and then watching a movie in bed - sounds a little lame? Maybe, but when it's all planned out and we have our tea, snacks and movie on it will be great :)

Geeking out

If someone asked me what I did today the answer would probably be "not much". The real answer would be "play Civilizations 5 on the local network" translation: geek out. We had the guys over and of course our geeky grandpa Bob so it was a regular lan party. Civ 5 is great because it's turn based and you can pause at any time to deal with kiddos. 

PC gaming is one of those things I do a fair amount of... but never really bring up as an interest in mom-groups or.. well, adult groups... ha! Gaming is something geeky and associated more with adolescents I guess - even though that's not the case. We used to play World of Warcraft back when we had time, lots of time - uninterrupted time. Lately we've been playing Starcraft 2. I've always found it really enjoyable being able to play together as a couple. Working together towards the same goal just like real life except the rewards are faster to come and the consequences set you back some mere minutes or imaginary gold. 

Of course, gaming can be rather addictive, so we're careful to keep our priorities straight and set a good example. Which can be really hard in this modern, technological age. How much is too much? I didn't have a cell phone until I could pay for it - but now even toddlers have their own phones (or think they do when they take your iPhone and play games on it). What will my daughters have to deal with when they reach high school? 

Thats a loaded question and a lot to think about. But this much I do know: 

They won't have their own cell phones until they can pay for them. 

They won't have Facebook until they're the appropriate age.

They won't have their own computers in their rooms until they graduate.  

Now I just wonder if I really know all those things or if when the time comes things will be different.... 

Roly-Poly Baby!

 Bowynn has now rolled over a handful of times! Back to front. B has seen her roll twice before this - once very early on and once a week ago. One time I came back into the room and found her on her tummy when I'd left her on her back - but those all appeared to be flukes. She's got it down now!

 "Why are you sitting there mom?"

"Well don't just sit there! Pick me up!!"

My two sweet hearts! Kaeda is such a little mother at times. She loves feeding Bowynn when ever she can (which isn't very often as she pretty much exclusively breastfed). Kaeda has little moments from time to time when she doesn't yell "STOP CRYING!" at the baby and instead just wants to hold her sister or cuddle her, telling her "It's ok, it's ok Bowynn."

Book Reviews

I've really wanted to do some proper reviews of my latest reads. I'm usually the kind of person who reads her favorite books over and over. Since we got a library card however, I've been just taking out whatever caught my eye - mostly Young Adult Fantasy as it's always been my dream to write in that category. Anyway, here are my reviews, oldest to most recent:

Dead in the Family by Charlaine Harris
*****
Latest in the Sookie Stackhouse series, these books haven't gotten annoying or predictable yet like some series I've read. They are easy to pick up, not too hard to put down and are just really enjoyable. They're not the deepest books or anything but they have romance, mystery, adventure and a good sense of humor. They are of course, the books True Blood is based on (OMG MY FAVORITE!!!).

Immortal Beloved by Cate Tiernan
*****
This was a quick grab because the kids were losing it in the library - and I LOVED it. It's based on an interesting idea that immortals are just regular people that live regular lives they just don't die (unless killed). Though, after 400 years of struggles and loss, what are you living for? With a funny, clever main character and the mystery of her past being revealed in little tidbits the only thing that annoyed me about this book was that it's book one in a series and still in hardcover!!! NOooOOOOoo! I will definitely be getting the rest of this series when it comes out.

Rebel Angels by Libba Bray
***
Ages ago I read the first of this series. It takes place in at a finishing school for young ladies and involves magick and mystery. This one was slow to start but I couldn't put it down at the end. It was enjoyable and interesting most of the time. I'll be getting the last book in this trilogy when I can.

Planet Pregnancy by Linda Oatman High
*
I'm not sure if it was the format, the character or the fact that both annoyed me so much I only really skimmed the book. It's in a poem like form, told from first person in streaming consciousness. What else is there to say? The girl was annoying, I didn't feel a connection with her (despite being in the similar situation of telling my mom about an unexpected pregnancy) and I felt it left a lot unanswered.

Girl in the Arena by Lise Haines
****
This one I started out disliking, I hate it when authors use something other than quotations for regular conversation - it's just so unnecessary. But the more I read, the more I liked Lyn the protagonist. The book managed to be realistic and interesting while bringing up issues that parallel in reality. It made you think but didn't end on a horrible note or anything (that always makes me sad).

The Vampire Diaries: The Fury & Dark Reunion by L. J. Smith 

*

I read the first two in this series after watching the first season of the tv show adaption. It's not very often that a show or movie is that much better than the books. Wow, Elena the main character, is SOOOOO annoying. They changed a lot in the show that made it better. The writing is simple and often terrible, using the same words or just the bad arrangements of them. Interestedly? Really? I mean on a blog or casual way maybe I could ignore it... but a popular, edited book? 

Anyway, stick with the show, don't bother with these books. I doubt I'm even going to finish this one before I return it.

Bowynn's first cereal!

So today we started Bowynn on some rice cereal. I'm not sure when we started Kaeda on it... I just remember I couldn't wait to try it, then barely used any. I think it was probably around 5 1/2 months... as I was all first-time-mom-paranoid and following the guidelines super closely. Bowynn just seemed like she could do with a little extra. I don't plan on feeding her a lot of solids yet - breast feeding is still the easiest and best answer for her. 

And then Kaeda found the bowl and assumed it was something for her... she ate some then put it down and said "It's gross."

She also tried to feed Bowynn the leftovers.... while she was asleep in the swing.

Only a few days in and I forgot to post!

NoooOOooOoOo, I didn't post yesterday!!! I really meant to! It's one of my goals is write every day.

Yesterday I got whisked out of bed - barely finished my first coffee and we were off to Costco with the father-in-law (he's the one with the Costco card!). By the time we had lunch it was 130 (the service was sooooo sloooow) and then we went home to unpack and sort food. I did manage to go for my run - even though I was still hurting and my jogging buddy called in sick (from in front of the computer). So, B stayed home with his dad and the monster and it was just me and Bowynn again. I can't say I didn't enjoy it. There's something really peaceful about a content baby, some energetic music and no 3 year old asking for things every 2 minutes.

So because my FIL is staying over, Bowynn is in the cradle in our room - her room doubles as the guest room. This morning when I woke up, there she was all smiley and cute ..... tipped to one side in her cradle. She is definitely a chubby little thing! Growing so much faster than Kaeda did. She's wearing 6 month + clothes. I'm a little sad that we're done with the cradle - she really didn't spend that much time in it. There have been over 20 babies in our family in that cradle. Starting in 1964.

I will have to remember to take some pictures of Bowynn in it before we put it away for good.

Bachelors and Kids

Today we cleaned like crazy! Grandpa Bob is here for the weekend so we caught up on all the house chores we'd been slacking on - which also kinda led to some spring cleaning. Either way, the house is clean and organized! Oh, and when I say "we" I mean myself, B annnnd one of his best friends Karl. The reason I mention him is that I think it's just too adorable when bachelor guys with no real kid experience become so involved with your kids. We call him nanny Karl now. He gets how we parent and the kids love him. He sat with Kaeda and Bowynn watching 101 Dalmatians today.

What's funny too is that we have another friend in the same position that the kids just don't take to. I guess he's kind of a kid himself. It's just interesting how kids are with adults... and how non-parents are with kids.

I thought I had more to write... but I'm so tired.... I guess I'll just got to bed.

*yawn*

Just one of those nights...

I'm having one of those restless, frustrated evenings. I guess it actually started some time this afternoon. I don't know why it happens, or what brings it on; a series of small things I think. My book was rather melancholy, which, if its good, affects my mood. B relies on my direction with the kids and mealtime often - which doesn't always bug me, but it does when it's my morning to sleep in or I'm trying to talk on the phone to someone I don't frequently chat with. I messed up our times and we missed Kaeda's first swim lesson.... that really bummed me out. It's not something that usually happens to me - I'm the kind who usually arrives early. She didn't know what she was missing - her and dad still got a swim so she was happy.

Sometimes I just get sick of all the sarcasm and playful teasing. It may be a joke but it's not funny. I like to banter back and forth with B, we have fun and I know he doesn't mean the things he says... but still... on days like today it's just too much negativity. He's not the only one who does it.

I want to go for another run - even though it hurts right now just to walk. I think a nighttime stroll with some music without the kids... would clear my head.

Too bad I hear the baby calling...

Vibram fivefingers KSO

These are the Vibram fivefinger KSO's I bought yesterday at MEC. Weird looking I know! They best description I've heard of them is foot gloves. They are made for barefoot running which some studies are showing is more natural and does less damage to your body. I mean, after all we've been running barefoot for a lot longer than running shoes have existed. The basic idea is that when you run with sneakers you go heel-toe and if you run naturally (or barefoot) you go toe-heel which allows your body to better absorb the shock of hitting the ground.

Growing up with a very outdoorsy, Aussie dad we only wore shoes and socks to go out to places - never in the yard or around the house. By the end of the summer our feet were so tough and leathery I could walk over broken glass without getting a cut. I still live in flip-flops and bare feet all summer. Because of this the idea of barefoot running struck a cord with me. After reading a lot of reviews (and needing to replace my current runners) I splurged and bought them.

It's a very cool feeling running with these shoes. I can feel the ground but not uncomfortably so. It does almost feel like you're barefoot. And I was definitely inclined to place my feet differently (which is why I'm aching all up my ankles and calves. They are a little weird to look at, and feel like they stand out - but over all I'm thrilled to have them for jogging. Running with them filled me with a childish sort of glee that reminded me of summers long ago. :)

Yay for spring! Time to go to Kaeda's first swim lesson!

Four Months

Bowynn is 4 months today!!

I've been looking around at other mom blogs and considering this: A lot of moms are very cautious about posting pictures of their kids and/or their real names. I am careful which pictures I post online but wonder about censoring names? I like sharing the beautiful, unique names of my children - does it really make them more vulnerable to do this? They are too young to go to school yet, but even when they are I wouldn't be sharing the name of the school. Although I share what city I'm from, I try to keep my exact location private. I guess it's a fine line between too much and not enough...

We had a busy day today. I bought new shoes for jogging (I did a little test run this evening!) and I'm SOOO excited for tomorrow's jog! We then took the kids to the petting zoo - which will certainly be more fun when it's a.) warmer and b.) has all the animals back! (baby ones too!). Still, it was nice to get out and do something as a family. I'm really enjoying having B home :)

After dinner we decided to try something new with our bedtime routine... see Kaeda fell asleep on the couch last night around 6pm (her bed time is 8pm and she doesn't nap) and she didn't really wake up much for dinner. We asked her if she wanted to go to bed - and surprisingly she said yes! Even more surprising we put her to bed and she stayed in bed. Slept the whole night through without a peep. It was AWESOME. Both kids asleep by 7pm! So we tried it again tonight, she did comment on the fact that it wasn't dark but otherwise went along with it. With any luck she'll sleep just as soundly tonight :)

Annnnd now I'm finishing off the night with a delicious new treat I came up with. A dish of vanilla ice cream with a shot of espresso poured over it... MMmmMMMmMMMmmmmmm!! Maybe not the best idea before bed - but so good! (especially when you're a coffee addict!)

Rescuers Down Under

This morning, when Bowynn got up, Kaeda asked if she could come sit with her. Although Kaeda can be a little rough with Bo the movie Rescuers Down Under provided the perfect distraction for them both. Kaeda held Bowynn's hand and the two of them watched the movie quite contentedly.

Too cute :)

Hello.

Ever since high school I've kept an online journal (Blogger then eventually Live Journal) and before that a diary. Recently, I have been thinking about starting up a new one... so I can chronicle my life with the girls. It's amazing how much you can forget when you don't write it down. I go through my old hand-written journals and cringe at my teenage self - glad I've forgotten a lot of that stage! Still, it would be nice to remember some things - like when Kaeda rolled over so I can compare it to Bowynn. 

Wait, I should back up a step. Start fresh with a little about me, us, our life. I'm 25. I have two beautiful girls, one man creature (I call him B) and an odd-eyed, odd personality of a cat - Taika. I'm a stay at home mom, still trying to figure out my path and he works in trades. 

Kaeda was born January 3rd 2008. She wasn't planned and though I'm pro-choice and seriously considered my options - I found I wanted this baby. B was supportive and  I've got to admit I'm a little surprised things turned out so well. Having a child changes everything. We started in our little one-bedroom then lived with my parents (everyone says it's a bad idea to do this when you start a family - they're right). B was working long hours and out of town a lot. 

I grew up in Richmond, Steveston - the fishing village. My roots are deep there. My friends are there, my family is there. A lot of me is there. 

We moved to Victoria because we could afford a much nicer place, a proper place to raise our family. Half of B's family is here. I do love it here. I love that we are a short drive to anywhere. I love that there are so many trees and beaches and mellow moments.

We got engaged after a particularly bad weekend when both him and his sister got in two separate car accidents. Big ones. It made us both realize we really wanted to be with each other. I've always told him I don't want to get engaged just because we have a kid - I've seen too many marriages go down because of that. It was nice to see we were both on the same page (I was saving up to get his ring and propose to him when he beat me to it). 

When is the wedding date? Some time in the future... okay, well hopefully in the next 2-3 years (3 being max).  We had both agreed early on that we wanted two kids and that the age gap wouldn't be more than 3 years. It was either get pregnant or get married (I want to look slim and fit in my wedding photos - not sleep-deprived and holding onto baby weight). So that is on hold. 

 

November 22nd 2010 our second daughter was born at home, all natural water-birth. We welcomed little Bowynn to the world, and our family suddenly felt complete. 

Fast forward to now, Bowynn is a happy, deliciously chubby little girl and Kaeda is a clever, imaginative 3 year old with a lot of attitude and stubbornness. B is on parental leave, so our days are pleasantly blending together as we deal with the usual diapers, tantrums, grocery runs and home improvements.

I couldn't be happier with my little corner of the world :) 

I can't wait til summer!