Tuesday, November 29, 2011

The Flu has Landed... ...

It's official. All last week we were rocked by the flu bug. Fortunately, my mom took sick little Lucas off our hands, so that I could work last Tuesday afternoon. Also, it was Wayne's turn to stay home with sick child(ren). As fate would have it, although, Emily and I both woke up Thursday emptying our stomachs into any available bowl/bucket. It was beautiful.

My kids and I have been sick so often this year, I swear my boss thinks I'm lying. Truth is, I would rather be driving the bus with my kids strapped into their seats, then at home with one sick and one cooped up toddler, or two cooped up toddlers. The kids are fine now, I think. Lucas was fine come Friday, Emily and I were still reaching for buckets and bowls, and of course Wayne didn't even feel the slightest bit of nausea. Emily then threw us for a loop again on Saturday night, throwing up all over her bed and me. Again, beautiful. Monday morning was a joke, the kids had barely eaten in days, and finally we were going back on the bus. However, waking them up early didn't go over so well (they were a tad cranky). As I was directing them to the bus door,  I chatted with one of my fellow drivers, Lucas and Emily were moaning behind me, and sure enough, Lucas threw up right outside the bus door. I called my manager/dispatcher, she told me she could get another driver out there, but I told her I really didn't want to go home. So plastic bag in hand Lucas sat in his carseat while I blissfully drove the bus. He honestly was no worse for wear, just a tad tired and didn't throw up again... yet.

I would like to say the flu has finally left our now messy home, but I'm afraid it might rear it's ugly head at such a challenge. I will say this, the flu has won. I can only be thankful that my children are finally eating better, and I am back driving the bus.

Monday, November 14, 2011

41 Days Until Christmas!!!!

Time flies when you're having fun, right? This past Saturday sure flew by for me. I spent the day with my mom, dad, sister, aunt and uncle at my aunt's church's craft sale. It was AMAZING. Not only the part where I had a day completely away from the kids (sorry Wayne), the whole day was great. Every year my mom bakes and bakes and bakes her infamous pound cake to sell at her table, and my aunt has gorgeous hand knit items, crafted by herself, at her table. I also, always get to snatch one of her knitted items for one of the wee beasties. After the sale we head over to my aunt and uncles, they live just down the street, and they make us dinner. Dinner is always better when someone else makes it. Ok, I suppose that comment depends on the 'someone' and their cooking capabilities. The only sad part, was that the day ended much too quickly.

Sunday was also a fairly good day, didn't quite beat Saturday. We had a great time at home I mostly watching and playing around with the beasties (amazing how a day away makes me much more appreciative, and patient with them), while Wayne did the flooring and installed a new vanity in our bathroom. The only regret of the weekend... no dishes were done, and no groceries were bought. Guess I'll be catching up today/tonight.

Saturday my mother asked me what was on mine, Wayne and the kid's Christmas lists. Honestly, I had no answer. The kids are fairly well off in the toy department, Lucas gets so many hardly used clothes from his cousin, and Emily... well, she needs some clothes, but not much. Wayne already got himself his Christmas present in September, an iPad, so he doesn't really need anything, and me... ... I have no idea. Some date nights for Wayne and I would be great. Kinda hard to put that in a box or stuff in a stocking. However, the topic really got me going... too much to do and get, and too little time to do it in. Only 41 days until Christmas. I usually create a Christmas list with every person's name and gift idea, then check beside when I've bought the gift. I've already bought a few gifts, kid wise, but haven't invested any time or money into the adults on my list yet.

Here's hoping you guys/girls out there are much further along on your Christmas shopping than I. Well, best make the wee beasties their lunch, I hear them chanting 'I hungry' upstairs.

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Support

I recently realized I have a new follower, a new irish twin mommy out there. First, congratulations on two beautiful boys, and second... as stressful as this voyage may seem most times, I've found there are so many 'aww' moments that make up for the stress.

Looking back, I remember how difficult it was the first few months after Emily came home. 1. She was a horrid sleeper. 2. Lucas only wanted mommy (but because of my c-sec, I couldn't hold him for a while without help). and 3. I remember someone telling me to take it one day at a time. This advice I had to switch to taking it one minute at a time.

The first few weeks after Emily was born, my mom and sister were there all the time to help. (Wayne worked horrible work hours and only had the first week after she was born off). After that, it was September, my sister went off to school, and I was stuck, alone, with two babies who needed lots of attention--Lucas was still only crawling at this point. Lucas quickly learned to hold his own bottle while drinking, or propped it on the coffee table while I fed his sister. And soon thereafter, I learned to put Emily in a reclined high chair with a blanket on her tray to feed her while spoon feeding Lucas. I will add a picture for demonstration. I did have to stop numerous times to pick up Emily's bottle and re-adjust the blanket, but for the most part, this worked (thank you to my ingenious mother-in-law who taught me this trick when Lucas was younger).

The hardest part, I found, was putting them on the same schedule, and sticking to it. Unfortunately I was little lax with my schedule, and had little time to call my own. Eventually, though, we made it through. I'm glad I always had a camera on hand, because if it were not for all the pictures of Emily's first 4-6 months of life... I don't think I would remember much of what we did.

I highly recommend a double stroller. We bought ours in the states the April before Emily was born, and it was the best thing I ever bought. Also, when you have this double stroller, do NOT take it for granted. Think of it as a third child. Unfortunately, a couple months after starting as a bus driver, I backed our truck into the stroller... ... the kids were in the truck, I had just forgotten to put the stroller in the truck too. I had to make do without a stroller for months before Wayne finally fixed it. So, treat the stroller like gold... it is a nightmare to do without.

Invest in a magic bullet. I was highly upset when infomercials in Canada started broadcasting the baby bullet when Emily first born. I had totally had that idea first! However, a magic bullet works just as well, and if you have a tupperware set, then you already have a place to store the food you make for your baby(ies).

Clothing, now, if you're lucky, you'll have two boys, or two girls.. I, unfortunately-clothes wise, got one of each. With two boys/girls, you can just pass the clothes down (so long as there is a size difference between your children). With one of each, once you find out you're pregnant with a boy/girl, when you go to buy clothes for the one, buy the same size in the opposite gender. Also, ALWAYS look for sales, this helps a bunch. I personally go to a used clothing for kids store. Especially for my daughter. Lucas gets hand-me downs from his cousin, Logen, who's 17 months older then him. Emily, however, she was in newborn clothes for the first 3 months of her life. In fact, right now she's only in 12 months and possibly a 12-18 month depending on the make. Again, she's our itty bitty. We rarely get asked if Lucas and Emily are twins, because Emily is so small she looks almost 2 years younger then Lucas instead of only 10 1/2 months younger.

Well, this is all the time I have to give some support. Hopefully this helps all you moms out there who're going right along with this Irish Twin insanity. Remember, things will always get better, you just have to look for the bright side, or make your wee beasties laugh.

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Long Time, No Post

I'm sure as most of you other mom's out there know, being a mom to a 2 year old and 3 year old is A LOT of work and extremely time consuming. Hence, my lack of posting. We have also been dealing with fleas our cat brought home; yippee. On top of all that, we officially have pink eye. Part of me is groaning at another thing going wrong, however, another part of me is recognizing that this will be a much needed down-time break. We've been going fairly busy around here since our move July 16th.

I believe, last time I wrote, I was laughing at the fact that my friend is pregnant, again, with a 10 month old? Well, he's officially 1, as of October 23rd, and mommy and daddy are happily and eagerly awaiting baby number 2. Lately, Wayne and I have been going back and forth over whether or not to add another wee beastie into our mix. Part of me loves the cute newborn baby stage (not so much the lack of sleep) and how amazing it is to see the world for the first time again, through their eyes. However, I've decided the only reason I would want another child, is to do it right.

To explain, I was only dating their daddy 8 months before we found out we were 2 months pregnant. Only a couple of months before Lucas was born did we live together. I felt a lot of guilt in getting pregnant, when not meaning to, I was on the pill. After Lucas was born I had an IUD inserted. Sure enough, when Lucas was 4 months, we found out we were 2 months pregnant AGAIN. I feel like I made the decision to have these children, regardless of what Wayne thought or wanted. We never planned either of our children, but can honestly say, we would never change them for the world! Another reason I think I feel the need to plan a baby, is to have the baby the way I always wanted. Lucas was a c-section. I was in labour for 8 1/2 hours before his heart rate started going crazy with each contraction and the Dr. decided this was due to the fact that he would not fit through my pelvis. I always dreamed of a more natural childbirth. Emily was also a c-section. An emergency one, this because my incision from Lucas' c-section was thinning apart with all my braxton hick's contractions.

Sometimes, I wonder what it would be like, if we had planned Lucas and Emily, and had the more natural birth. But then, thinking of having another baby, I remember all the diapers, and sleepless nights, and frustration at trying to decipher baby cries. Wayne and I decided, we're good. We've got two wee beasties, and for now, that's just enough for us!

Sunday, September 18, 2011

Computer fixed, for the time being...

I have officially fixed what was wrong with my computer and the internet set up. Now back to posting funny stories and asking/giving advice.

I remember when I first found out I was pregnant with Lucas. Everyone had advice for me, as every mother, aunt, sister, cousin, etc. have for new expecting and even after you've had the baby, mothers. I think the best advice I ever got came from a friend's sister in law. She had just had a baby boy (Max, her 3rd baby) and told me that I would get ALL sorts of advice. The best advice she gave was to take the advice you like, and will use, and smile and nod at all other advice, even if you don't want to hear it.

I think the worst part is, that I have used this SO much. As great as family and extended family is, everyone is different, and parents differently. Not to say one person is a better parent then another, but sometimes, the advice just doesn't work on one child, where it works amazingly on the other child. Everyone is different, that is why I sometimes use any and all advice (except for something I really am against--like abuse) in situations, where I just have simply no clue what to do--like for potty training, or discipline, or bed time armageddon, well, you get the picture.

On a lighter note, Wayne said to me at dinner tonight, "Remember when we used to have to feed them both? Like last year?" Ugh, I shuddered at the memory. We were eating spaghetti and I remember the amount of clean up and tears (from all of us, maybe excepting Wayne) over dinner time. Lucas was only 2 last year, but because Emily was 1 and usually fed really messy dinners (less mess this way) Lucas regressed to a 1 year old state.

We then laughed at the thought that my friends are going to have to deal with this soon. As mean as that is, at least we'll have close friends understanding the difficulties, and novelties, of having irish twins (or in their case, 18 month apart babies, which I'm thinking will feel just the same).

I can't wait to meet the new little bundle. I like using her already for my baby fix, but her boy is now almost 11 months and not really wanting to snuggle so much anymore. Oh well, perhaps Wayne and I will revisit the decision on having another little one over the next couple of years. Of course, by that time, we are going to make absolutely sure there will not be another irish twin occurance, no offense to my baby girl, but she was quite the shocker. Finding out you're 2 months pregnant while dealing with a 4 month old was quite unnerving. However, now that they're getting much older, it really is getting easier.

Knock on wood.

Friday, September 2, 2011

Technical Difficulties

Lately I've had some issues with my computer. I have a mac. It was a requirement for my Photography course at Humber. It is now 5 years old, and causing me some grief. Not only does it not properly update my iPhone (an upgrade gift to myself 2 years ago), now it will not work with any downloads for macs. They all require system 10.5 and I'm stuck at 10.4.11. One tiny little step away from 10.5, but hey, that's my luck.

We'll see what I can do, but now I have to download all my books and phone info on my hubby's computer, and that bothers me. I should be able to do what I need to on mine. But frankly, we just don't have the money for me to go buying myself new toys.

Well, hopefully I can save for a new computer in the new year. That's all for now. Still dealing with these difficulties. Kids on the other hand, fairly good considering their mom was fighting with a computer after dinner tonight.

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Go-go-go!!!!

Crazy busy these last, well, really the last week. We had my friend's wedding rehearsal, her wedding, family day, work start-up meeting, family trip to the EX and well, today I must admit I did next to nothing. This last week more than made up for my 1 day of slack. However, that being said, my kitchen and living area look like a bomb went off. I believe I'll have my work cut out for me tomorrow/tonight.

The wedding went very nicely, I must say. Lucas was the ring bearer and Emily a flower girl. They did very VERY well, and I gave them great big hugs and kisses for making her wedding go nicely. Of course, telling Lucas that the groom had cookies in his pocket helped, and Emily had a 9-year old flower girl going down the aisle with her.

Yesterday we went to the EX or Canadian National Exhibition (CNE). We thought we would only be there perhaps half the day, depending on the kids. Well, we were shockingly there until 9pm at night. That was a whole 10-11 hours spent at the EX. Lucas and Emily both went on their first roller coaster and rides and had a great time. The only thing I think I would change is that next time I would spend more time at the kiddie park, then walking through the international building and energy centre. Granted, we went with family and wanted to visit with all, however, the kids were quite restless after 2 hours of shopping time. So next time, we come, we ride, we meet up for lunch, and then when kids are rather tired out, we can shop til we drop (if we want and have money after all those rides).

Well, lesson learned, never EVER plan so many things in one week's time and always tire kids before doing anything that needs to be done!

Well, off to make some bagle-egg-and cheese sandwiches for dinner, yum!! Write you all tomorrow.

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Heart to Heart

Why does it always seem that you're tired and finally in bed, that 1. your children magically awaken from a nightmare or 2. your significant other and you finally get a chance to talk. And yes, I mean actually talk.

This is why I'm officially awake now. At 12:45am. My hubby and I realized in bed that hey, long time no talk. Granted we were up until 12am anyway watching a magnificent storm cut across southern Ontario (we both love the sound and 'show' of a good thunderstorm). However, once I finally was in bed and quite tired at that, we talk. Of course, he's fallen asleep now, while I am now wide awake.

I must admit, however, that these midnight heart-to-heart times are really quite nice. Regardless of the fact that I usually end up having to wake in 5-6 hours after them. I have found that as our little ones have gotten a little older, nap times have slowly ceased, night time has become later and later, and Wayne's and my one-on-one time has almost dwindled to no time.

Well, there's my heart-to-heart with all you other mothers and sisters and such out there. Hope your midnight heart-to-hearts find you sleepy in the end and not wide awake.

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

It's been WAY too Long...

Well, it has been almost a year since my last post. All I have to say, is boy does time fly. I do apologize for the lengthy absence. Since my last post, we have moved, yet again, I officially am a school bus driver, and am officially going insane. Okay, so maybe I'm not 'officially' going insane, but I'm pretty sure I'm getting close.

Since school ended in June, we have planned and executed a Stag and Doe for my friend (who's getting married this upcoming Sat.) we have packed, moved, and somewhat unpacked, planned and had Emily's 2nd birthday party. And the big issue on this summer's agenda has been... Potty Training. Yep, officially insane. I'm starting to think that potty training twins would be easier. My sweet itty bitty is SO much better at this peeing on the potty thing, then her brother. Lucas would rather play, or crawl around on the floor (and yes, this is the 'almost' 3 year old). I have decided that the time is just not right for this boy, and to concentrate my efforts on my baby girl.

Besides all that, I am hoping for advice from anyone out there regarding sleep habits and toddlers. My kids, since moving into a townhouse and having their own rooms, scream bloody murder when it comes to bed time. Sometimes it will be almost 3 hours of screaming and whining before they pass out from sheer exhaustion. Any and all advice will be taken and used and I promise to write the results on here. Lucas has been making a habit of passing out at his door on the floor (hardwood floor) and waking up numerous times throughout the night screaming (most likely due to discomfort). Then the battle of bed time starts all over again.

Please, PLEASE, I beg to have some semblance of a good night's sleep again. Advice welcome.

On a side note, I read an article today regarding mom's and judgments on us. This article sparked my interest, as it compared being a mom to a competition. How becoming a mom, you become automatically enrolled into this Mom-Judging Olympics. For more information on this article go to: http://moms.today.com/_news/2011/08/11/7334726-the-mom-judging-olympics-a-competition-nobody-meant-to-enter
and read up... I must say, I was shocked at how close to home this hits, with not just other moms I meet on a daily basis, but also other moms within my family and how I feel judged, even if that's not the case.

Well on that note, I wish you all a good night's sleep (fingers crossed for me and my hubby as well).