6.30.11

Our house has been hit by a stomach bug. Thankfully (I guess?) just Wyatt and I are sick. I should have clued in a few days ago when he said his stomach felt funny - it's not something he's ever said before, so I assumed he'd heard it on TV or at daycare and was just repeating it. And I really should have clued in when he wanted to just "rest". This kid is moving non-stop most of the time, resting is not something he ever chooses to do. Unless he thinks he will be rewarded with a pudding. He'll do anything for a pudding cup - and I may or may not have recently used one to have him pose for a picture with Paige. What? It worked - a win-win situation...I got a picture where it looks like he enjoys the company of this small person who now takes up all of mommy's time and cries A LOT and he got a pudding.
But speaking of crying a lot, can anyone give me insight on colic? I'm kind of at a loss with what on earth is bugging Paige. She is a fantastic night baby (hooray!), waking only once or twice for a bottle. But during the daytime, she's a little...squirrely. First we thought gas. Then acid reflux. I'm now sure it's a bit of both, but nothing seems to help. She grunts and squeals and cries and is stiff as a board - you can just see she is clearly uncomfortable. Ovol hasn't made much of a difference, rubbing her belly in the horseshoe shape makes her even more upset, as does "bicycling" her legs. Laying her on her belly is all fine and good until she spits up half her bottle. :/

6.29.11

Pretty intense look, isn't it? This kid is SERIOUS about playing outside. He doesn't care if it's windy, rainy, cold, too hot....he wants to go into the backyard. He has a sand and water table (which is currently only filled with water on both sides), and he'll move the water from the table to a pail, then from that pail to another pail, from that pail to ALL OVER MY FEET. I don't know why it always ends that way, and it's never intentional, but he always splashes me. Or maybe it is intentional.

6.28.11

We had a lovely day today. I guess all of Paige's fussiness caught up with her and she was more settled and slept a decent amount. We went for a nice long walk after taking Wyatt to daycare (which he just loves these days, wish I could afford for him to him to go more often). We had to pick him up a little earlier than usual because his daycare provider's daughters had swimming lessons, so Paige and I walked down there again and we wasted lots of time walking back. Wyatt can be SO slow when he wants to be (which is often), a ten minute walk can easily take 30 minutes. He's in the habit of stopping when vehicles or people go by, so you can imagine how quickly we move. We played in the backyard when we got home - I snapped this picture of Paige shortly after she woke up (she looks impressed, doesn't she?). When Josh came home, we all packed up and went out to Boston Pizza for supper - Paige slept through the whole thing, and Wyatt was on his best behaviour. I had lemon grilled salmon, and it was delicious! It wasn't hard to choose something healthy today - I really don't like their pizza or pasta, and I'm not a huge burger fan either...doesn't leave a lot! Anyone who's known me for more than a few years will know that's why my "usual" at any restaurant used to be chicken fingers and fries. :P

6.27.11

No new pictures here today, it has been a very long and frustrating day. My Grandma Funk passed away yesterday. This is a picture of her and Wyatt 2 years ago at Christmas. One of my favorite memories of my grandma was when my cousin and I would stay overnight when we were younger. She gleefully helped us scoop lard into a bowl, cover it with chocolate sauce and sprinkles and try to pass it off as ice cream to my grandpa (he didn't fall for it). And who can forget some of her famous dishes like fried Spam, tomato soup with full sized carrots (never understood that one), wiener stir fry and wiener pizza! She made a killer chocolate zucchini cake though, so delicious!
Love you Grandma!

6.26.11

Which one is not really sleeping? After another loooong night in our house, Josh laid down with Paige for a nap (after I got to sleep in til 9:30). Wyatt decided he wanted in on the action, but he had no intention of actually sleeping (although goodness knows he could have used a 2nd nap, he was up at 5:30!). Josh and Paige slept through his silliness, thankfully, but I really hope it's a better night tonight. Yesterday I crashed so hard on the couch that Josh had serious difficulties waking me - jostling me, squeezing my knee, shouting - I think he was beginning to wonder if I fell into a coma. :P

6.25.11

Every kid has to have a shampoo mohawk picture, right?

6.24.11

Ha ha ha....I just had to share this one. This is The Look that Paige gives Josh anytime he gets close. No idea why, and we have both assured her that he knows what he's doing. She's not buying it.

6.23.11

Paige is 1 month old already! Yikes. She had her 1 month check up yesterday - 9 pounds, 4 ounces and 22 inches long. Apparently in the 60th percentile for weight and 98th (!!) for height. Tall and skinny - she does not get that from me! :D
The dress she's wearing is one that I wore as a newborn - safe to say, it is vintage.:) She wasn't a huge fan of getting all dressed up, which does not bode well for the wardrobe full of dresses I have for her.

6.22.11

Wyatt and Josh hard at work.

6.21.11

Paige and I took a trip to Winnipeg today while Wyatt was in daycare. I am still on the hunt for some sort of magical carrier that will work for Paige and I - so needless to say the trip was not a success. I had a whopping headache by the time I got home, and slept on the couch for over an hour...which will surely bite me in the ass at bedtime tonight.
As you can see by the picture above, over the past 4 weeks Wyatt has certainly warmed up to Paige (or, "my Paige" as he calls her). Although he doesn't interact with her a ton, it's still a lot better than it was! :)

6.20.11

Wyatt and I got to play a little today while Paige was napping, and we built a tower of Mega Blocks. I thought maybe it was a castle for a prince and princess, but alas, it was a garage for his cars.

6.19.11

Happy Father's Day Dad!

6.18.11

I'm still trying hard to make this babywearing thing happen. Paige and I tried the sling several more times today, and she just does. not. like. it. She arches her back and tries to get her head away from the fabric. I tried the Ergo again today, and she screamed when I put the infant insert between her legs (I think it seperated them too far). Same result with a Safety 1st carrier I had from when Wyatt was born (never worked with him because his legs were too chubby). I've already sold my Sleepy Wrap, which I am almost regretting because as much as I found it difficult to use, at least she didn't cry in it. *sigh* I want something lightweight, and I don't want something that's so complicated I need to watch 100 videos on how to use it! Why is that so hard? I think I'll be making a trip to the city with Paige to try out a few different styles. The Baby Bin Boutique apparently has a few different brand and styles available.

6.17.11

In a brief moment of sweetness, Wyatt gave Paige a kiss on the forehead before we headed out to go grocery shopping. It really did not last very long. :P Now whenever Paige cries, Wyatt likes to (VERY LOUDLY) "shush" her. Not terribly charming, or helpful. Try explaining that to a 2 1/2 year old!
We've been experiencing the "witching hour" in our house with Paige, from 7-10pm. She is just unsettled, and nothing seems to calm her for very long. She not only hates being swaddled, but she gets out of every single swaddle. This is a change for us, because Wyatt loved being swaddled! I think that carrying her in a baby carrier would work, but I can't seem to find one that works. I have now tried three different styles (wrap, sling and Ergo), and none of them have really worked all that great. I couldn't get the hang of the wrap (even with Wyatt), and Paige hates the sling (she keeps trying to lift her head out of it) and the Ergo feels SO bulky and cumbersome. I really need to try one before I buy one....they aren't cheap!

6.16.11

Having a snooze on Josh's chest.

I put Paige in a dress today, and I just have to say that I am now convinced that newborn dresses are the most ridiculous invention. 99% of the time, her dress was bunched up by her armpits (comfy!). Seemed like she might be a bit chilly that way, so I kept wrapping her up in a blanket. Clearly a onesie and pants win for comfort and practicality.

6.15.11

Wyatt (and Paige) had a playdate with their cousins, Livi and Connor this morning. After Livi and Connor took their turns holding Paige (who, according to Connor is "such a good baby!"), Connor hauled out every train that Wyatt has and Livi and Wyatt played with a sticker book. They all were on their best behaviour, and I was pretty taken aback at how social Wyatt was. He mostly gravitated to Livi, but the fact that he was actually asking her to go to his room, sit on his couch, etc. surprised me. Anytime I've seen him with kids (including these two!), he normally asks an adult to play with him instead, or plays alone.

We also got a short visit from my mom (Grandma S!) for supper, which made Wyatt's day. I hope he can maintain a close relationship with both sets of grandparents for a long time. I remember having sleepovers at both of my grandparents', but at some point that stopped and we only saw them on holidays. Josh, on the other hand, is extremely close to his grandparents (on his dad's side) still. They watch Wyatt on occasion too, and he loves spending time with his great grandparents (and "great Toby", their dog, ha ha).

Must go...Wyatt has decided to rub yogurt all over his face for some reason...

6.14.11

Wyatt and Josh playing one of Josh's favorite "games" - spinning. Wyatt loves to jump, spin and be chased around the kitchen. If he wants to play, this is usually how he asks: "Mommy, want to spin? Want to? Try it mommy, try! It's good for you." I have NO idea where he learned that, but it makes me laugh every time. Recently, he's also started with, "That's a great idea!" For example: Me: "Wyatt, what do you want for a snack? Crackers?" Wyatt: "Oh yes, mommy, that's a great idea!" Ha ha....at least someone thinks so. :P

6.13.11

How cute is she?!?! 3 weeks old.

6.12.11

I couldn't pick just one kid to post a picture of, so you get both. :)

The forecast calls for rain for the next 3 days, so I'm busy looking for ideas for things to keep us busy. I'd really like to do a Father's Day craft with Wyatt, but everything I've found so far either has to do with ties (which Josh hasn't worn since our wedding), or is for much older children. Maybe we'll just do some macaroni art, ha ha. :D

6.11.11

My mom came down today to help out with the kids while Josh was in Brandon, taking his Level 1 practical (attempt #2). I slept, Paige fussed, and my mom and Wyatt got to play outside. After she left, and we had supper, Wyatt wanted to draw a picture - so this is Grandma and Wyatt on the swings. I drew, he coloured - what does it mean when he wants everything black? Rolling Stone fan at heart? ;) He drew the yellow sun and blue clouds on his own, and signed his name at the bottom. Thanks again, mom!

Also....

Josh passed his level 1 practical exam! Way to go, we are so proud of you! Thanks to Tanya Gerbrandt, the wife of another firefighter, for the pictures. Josh thinks that might be his leg in the left hand corner, ha ha. There are more pictures of a live burn they did in April here.

6.10.11

I love this kid. A LOT. But today was hard. He was up at 6, and we fought from sun up to sun down. Every single thing was a battle. He wanted a Nutri Grain bar, but since he never actually eats them (just takes a bite and leaves it somewhere for me to find), I suggested something else for breakfast. Meltdown. I needed to change his diaper. Meltdown. I asked him to wear his new sandals. Meltdown. Another diaper change. Meltdown AND he tried to kick me in the jaw. Lunchtime. Meltdown. Naptime went surprisingly well (he was probably exhausted by this point), and then he went off to Josh's grandparents while Paige and I went grocery shopping. Josh picked him up...meltdown. Came home. Meltdown. We got DQ for supper. Meltdown (although he said he wanted chicken, he really wanted a burger and mommy and daddy didn't read his mind). He and Josh went outside. Meltdown. They came inside. Biggest meltdown of the day. Bathtime. Meltdown. Everything after bathtime went smoothly though, I think it helped him calm down. My head is pounding - it's so unlike him to have days like this, and I'm sure that his lack of sleep, plus the new baby, plus the change in schedule (with me being home) is throwing everything off. I alternate between sympathy for him, because he's tired and overwhelmed and has no idea how to properly express it, and irritation because I have to listen to him scream all day and constantly put him in time outs.
Tomorrow is another day though, and hopefully he gets a good sleep tonight (hell, hopefully we ALL do!).

6.9.11

Paige looks like she just got some alarming news from Josh. "What do you mean Luongo let in 12 shots in 2 games?"
That is the only sports reference you will ever see on this blog, trust me. I really don't care for hockey, but between Josh turning it on as soon as he gets home, and being completely inundated with Facebook status' regarding the playoffs, I can't help but follow.

6.8.11

There! Photographic proof that Wyatt is warming up to Paige. And that sometimes Josh is home, ha ha. :D

6.7.11

I finally got around to taking some pictures of Wyatt's room! Here is his bed, and a custom decal I ordered off Etsy for him. According to Wyatt, one airplane is his, one is mine, and one is Josh's. :)

The closet. We removed the doors to give the room a more open feeling, as it is a pretty small space. I still want to put the floating shelves up that were in his old room (our room now) on the wall above the head of his bed. Just have to get around to it!

Here are some more shots of Paige's room. The wardrobe is from IKEA.

The change table (my dad built this for Wyatt), and floating shelves.

A close up of the shelves - the first doll on the left was made by my sister Kaeleigh. The doll with the yellow hair is one that my Grandma Schroeder knit for me a very long time ago. :) I still have to hang the "Littlest Bird" art somewhere - perhaps above the crib or beside the window?

6.6.11

2 weeks old! She wanted to show off her baby blues. :) Her one eye has been pretty watery and gross today, poor kiddo. I think it's just a blocked tear duct though, so no need to run to the doctor just yet.
Today was my first day at home alone with both kids. If it's any indication of how things went, I am having a drink right now. Truth be told, it wasn't bad at all. Tomorrow Wyatt will go to daycare, and hopefully I can drop him off without a massive meltdown. I'd love suggestions for how to do that, besides sedating him. :P I can't even come up with something that I "have to do" that he wouldn't want to....he loves going to the doctor, so I can't even use that.

6.5.11

Wyatt has been showing a lot more interest in Paige over the past few days. He's always very concerned if he can't see her (if she's in her bassinet or crib). He's slowly warming up. :)

6.4.11

We went for a nice long walk to Josh's grandparents' for supper. Wyatt stayed in the stroller all the way there, but was asking to get out halfway home. I obliged, but only because Josh was with me and this way if Wyatt decided to play in traffic again, I'd be able to chase him down appropriately. Thankfully, he listened this time.
And Paige was on her best behaviour, happily obliging anyone that wanted to hold her and coo at her. Including her 4 year old cousin, who is ridiculously in love with her. Adorable.

6.3.11

Wyatt helped me make cookies this evening. He loves to help with anything that's going on in the kitchen, which can be a little unnerving at times (like when he wants to "help" with something on the stove). He knows the oven is hot, so he does back up when I open it, thank goodness.
Josh took Paige and Wyatt to visit his grandma this afternoon, and I wisely used my time alone to go grocery shopping at Superstore. :P Not surprisingly, it took me about half the time it does when I have the whole gang with me.

6.2.11

I wonder what she is dreaming about. :)

6.1.11

We finally got some sunshine today, so we ventured out into the backyard. Wyatt watered the tomato plants, the peas, the peppers, his dumptruck, his wagon, the lawnchair....you get the idea. Everything (Wyatt included) was very wet when we went back inside for supper...but he was also very happy. After supper, Josh had fire drill, so the kids and I went for a walk. It went pretty well, except when Shrek decided to hunker down in the middle of a sidewalk, and of course I had left my bags on the counter at home. I felt like a total jerk just walking away, but what else could I do? About a block from home, I let Wyatt get out of the stroller and walk on the grass (or the "corn field" as he calls it). Unfortunately he decided to exercise his toddler defiance right at the bottom of Connor Hill Drive and refused to stop or hold my hand crossing the road. Right at that moment, a car was turning and either not caring or not seeing us. I had to let go of the stroller (and dog) for a split second to grab him and drag him over to the stroller. Naturally, 2 calm and collected moms were biking past me on the street at that moment. Ugh. Oh well, I'd rather have them think I was hauling him across the sidewalk for no good reason, than have him darting in front of cars.